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Poisoning due to common household products
T Y Chan1, K P Leung, J A Critchley
1Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong.
Singapore Medical Journal
|June 1, 1995
Summary
Common household product poisoning, particularly Dettol liquid and corrosives, led to hospital admissions. While most cases were mild, severe complications and fatalities occurred, emphasizing airway protection during treatment.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Public Health
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Poisoning from household products is a significant public health concern.
- Understanding the specific agents and outcomes is crucial for prevention and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the epidemiology of poisoning cases due to common household products.
- To identify the most frequent agents involved and their associated clinical outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 187 patients admitted for poisoning.
- Data collected from four general medical wards at Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong (1988-1992).
- Analysis of causative agents, patient symptoms, complications, and mortality.
Main Results:
- Dettol liquid (46%), cleaning products (19%), pesticides (14%), and shampoos (10%) were the primary agents.
- Most patients presented with mild symptoms.
- Ingestion of Dettol liquid and strong corrosives (e.g., sulfuric acid) were linked to severe complications and deaths.
- Three fatalities were recorded, two from aspiration of Dettol liquid/detergent and one from sulfuric acid ingestion.
Conclusions:
- Household product poisoning requires careful management, with Dettol and corrosive agents posing the highest risk.
- Adequate airway protection prior to gastric lavage is critical to prevent aspiration complications and mortality.