Toxicology 101: Identification and Initial Management of Common Accidental Ingestions

For the exploring child, the world is their oyster. While this world may be largely contained to their home, there is an abundance of potential dangers when it comes to an orally sensory seeking and curious child. Accidental ingestions comprise a wide array of possible agents. These include medications such as over-the-counter analgesics to prescription opioids, objects such as button batteries or coins, and toxins including cleaning supplies and laundry detergent. The pediatric clinician is an invaluable resource for providing anticipatory guidance and in emergent cases, should readily be prepared to provide the phone number to poison control, be able to recognize important toxidromes, and understand the appropriate initial assessment of a suspected ingestion, whether foreign body or accidental toxic ingestion.