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Abstract
Background: To study frequency of different poisonings in children in tertiary care hospital.
Methods : In this cross sectional study 81 children under 12 years presenting with signs and symptoms of poisoning were included. Children with any chronic illness like asthma, tuberculosis and mentally handicapped children were excluded from study. Children were assessed for poisoning with drugs, hydrocarbons, bathroom detergents and plants and were managed according to standard protocols.
Results: Out of 81, 33.3% children had drug poisoning, out of these 6 took antihypertensive drugs. Twenty four (29.6%) children presented with hydrocarbon poisoning. Eighteen children accidentally ingested kerosene. Insecticides were taken by 8.6% children. Nine (11.1%) children had poisoning due to bathroom cleaners. Twelve (14.8%) children had poisoning due to plants. Two (2.5%) presented with ingestion of mercury from breakage of thermometers.
Conclusion: Accidental childhood poisoning is common in children. .Health education programmes for parents need to be designed for communities for prevention of this apparently highly preventable problem