If you suspect or know that your child has ingested a poisonous substance, calling the poison control number may be the next best step. However, some instances require immediate medical attention. So, how do you know when and why to call poison control for your child? At Touchpoint Pediatrics, located in Chatham, New Jersey, and serving the surrounding areas, you can access comprehensive pediatric medical services for your family and get insight on what to do in emergencies. Here, we explain how to know when to call poison control for your child and when you should forgo it and get immediate medical attention.
About Poison Control
You can call poison control if you suspect or know that someone has ingested a poisonous or potentially dangerous substance. All poison control centers can be reached by calling their national toll-free number: 1-800-222-1222 or via their website tool, webPOISONCONTROL®.
The trained poison control staff can answer questions and give advice, including determining whether a substance is poisonous, tips for eliminating the substance, and whether to seek emergency help. If you follow their advice quickly, you may be able to avoid going to the doctor or hospital.
Common Childhood Poisonings
Did you know that most reported poisonings happen in children younger than six years old? Children are curious beings and can get into things that they shouldn’t, including substances that might be poisonous. Some of the most common ways that children can be poisoned include:
- Taking medicine or vitamins that were not prescribed or intended for them
- Swallowing a cleaning product such as a laundry detergent or dishwasher pod,or product, like pesticide, antifreeze, or motor oil
- Swallowing a personal care product or cosmetic like hair gel or perfume
- Ingesting alcohol or drugs
- Getting a toxic substance on their skin
- Eating a poisonous plant or mushroom
- Ingesting foreign bodies, including button batteries, magnets, beads, etc.
Symptoms of poisoning often don’t appear right away, but if you do notice symptoms in your child, they can include drowsiness, heavy drooling, vomiting, confusion, and a sudden behavior change.
When to Call Poison Control for Your Child vs. Getting Emergency Care
If you suspect or know that your child has swallowed a potentially dangerous or poisonous substance, it can be scary, and you may be unsure of what to do. Fortunately, many childhood poisonings can be treated at home with advice from the poison control center. They can help you handle the situation and provide the necessary care to prevent further harm. However, it’s important to know that some poisoning situations are urgent enough to necessitate immediate medical treatment.
If you know or suspect your child has ingested a potentially dangerous substance and they are still alert, acting normally, and can breathe well, you should call poison control right away. You shouldn’t wait to notice signs and symptoms because they often don’t appear right away. However, if your child is acting abnormally, passes out, has a seizure, or is having trouble breathing, don’t call poison control. Instead, call 911 or get emergency medical care right away. Make sure to take the container or bottle of the substance with you. Once the situation stabilizes, you can notify Touchpoint Pediatrics to schedule follow-up care.
Follow-Up Care for Poisoning at Touchpoint Pediatrics
If your child ingests a poisonous substance, it can be very frightening. At Touchpoint Pediatrics, our board-certified pediatricians are available to provide follow-up care. We help your child get back to their best health and give you peace of mind. We take your concerns seriously and will tailor our medical services to address your child’s needs. Touchpoint pediatricians are available 24/7, including weekends and holidays, for urgent and non-urgent medical care. They can also offer telemedicine visits to make it more convenient for you and your child.
Our compassionate medical team has received multiple awards and credentials as proof of our excellence, including the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) recognition as a Highest-Level Patient-Centered Medical Home. We have continued to hold this recognition since 2014, signifying the attainment of rigorous quality benchmarks and patient care metrics. Our continued commitment to providing compassionate patient-centered care is evident through this recognition.
Make an Appointment for Your Child at Touchpoint Pediatrics Today
If your child has recently ingested a poisonous substance and received care from poison control or emergency services, it’s a good idea to schedule a follow-up visit with their pediatrician at Touchpoint Pediatrics. Located in Chatham, NJ, and serving families throughout Morristown, Summit, Berkeley Heights, Hoboken, and beyond, Touchpoint Pediatrics is here to provide personalized care for your children. To make an appointment with a Touchpoint pediatrician for a follow-up, contact us today.
