Poisoning in children: an approach for the primary physician

Poisoning continues to be one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity in young children. The Product Safety Packaging Act needs to be expanded to cover toxic agents and drugs known to be involved in the majority of ingestions. Those agents that are particularly toxic will require more stringent measures than safety packaging. The primary physician is in the position to institute rapid and appropriate therapy for most poisoning. Consideration of poisoning in making a presumptive diagnosis and early institution of general supportive measures are critical. Familiarity with techniques of gastric emptying and with use of activated charcoal and naloxone as antidotes is essential, as is s knowledge of when to refer patients for specialized care. By educating parents about poison proofing the home and about appropriate first aid measures, the primary physician can play an important role in poison prevention.