Initial measures
If the substance and quantity are unclear, either vomiting must be induced or the substance must be bound in the stomach by giving coal, possibly via a stomach tube. The type of substance and the time elapsed after ingestion are decisive factors. Substances that have just been ingested can be transported out of the body by vomiting.
Highly foaming substances, such as washing-up liquid, must not be vomited. In extreme situations, dialysis treatment is the only saving measure in intensive care medicine. After parents have diagnosed the poisoning, they should definitely call an emergency doctor.
Independent vomiting should not be induced. Vomit should be stored and shown to the emergency services. Until the child arrives, it should be calmed and its vital parameters checked regularly.
Poisoning with cigarettes
Poisoning caused by nicotine is one of the most common poisonings in infancy. A commercial cigarette containing 1g of tobacco contains about 15-25 mg of nicotine. This dose can be life-threatening for a small child.
However, cigarette poisoning is usually not fatal because the extremely acidic gastric juice prevents the nicotine from becoming soluble and being absorbed quickly. The nicotine that is slowly absorbed in the course of the poisoning can then usually be eliminated by the liver very well. The first symptoms of cigarette poisoning do not manifest themselves in children until after 3-4 hours.
Symptoms such as malaise, nausea, vomiting, paleness, restlessness or increased sweating may occur.When consuming cigarette butts and the occurrence of the aforementioned symptoms, there is a strict indication for immediate toxin removal by gastric lavage. If the cigarette intake was more than 4 hours ago, the length of the cigarette is less than 2 cm and no symptoms appear, only observation without therapeutic intervention is necessary. In rare cases, children with very severe poisoning may experience cardiovascular disorders or seizures.
Poisoning with yew
The yew tree is a coniferous tree, which is mainly native to Central and Southern Europe and grows mainly on calcareous soil. The yew carries dark red to black-brown seeds, which are very poisonous for children and adults. Since the seeds look like a berry, there is a great danger that small children will pick and eat them.
The flesh, which tastes very slimy and sweetish, is not a danger. The seed coat and the needles of the yew contain a very poisonous toxin, which is released during chewing. Even one or two chewed seeds represent a critical dose for children, which can lead to life-threatening poisoning.
A few hours after eating the seeds, dry mouth, reddened lips and dilated pupils appear. In addition, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting may occur. In particularly severe cases, in addition to loss of consciousness, seizures or serious cardiovascular disorders may occur. If there is a suspicion of poisoning by yew, the affected children must be admitted to a clinic immediately so that the vital bodily functions can be ensured and a quick elimination of the poison can be carried out.
