UW Health explains steps that can help prevent accidental poisoning in children from medications | News

MADISON (WKOW) — UW Overall health sees hundreds of accidental poisoning scenarios in small children as a end result of ingestion each and every 12 months. 

In actuality, according to a press launch from spokesperson Emily Kumlien, UW Well being saw 175 accidental poisoning circumstances in 2020-21 — lots of of which were being from pharmaceutical items. 

Nick Zetes, outpatient pharmacy coordinator for UW Health and fitness Young ones, says storing and supplying medicine securely, disposing of medicine thoroughly and knowledge methods are vital in stopping poisonings. 

“If a child will get their arms on adult medicine, that could guide to a terrifying journey to the unexpected emergency room because little kids’ bodies approach remedies in different ways than grown ups,” Zetes claimed. “Symptoms could include nausea, vomiting and in critical instances, death.”

Specifically, UW Health has four ideas from Safe and sound Young ones Worldwide to enable reduce accidental poisoning from medications: 

• Products can appear like candy to smaller young children so keep all medication out of their reach and sight.
• Don’t forget boy or girl-resistant packaging is not kid-evidence. So set medication away immediately after each and every use.
• As your kid learns and grows, you will want to evaluate and transform in which you maintain the medication mainly because they are additional cell and curious.
• Share medication protection information with household and mates. When youngsters have a babysitter or some others visiting the household, it is critical all the older people know how to preserve youngsters protected all over medication.

On top rated of accidental poisoning, Zetes expresses concern in excess of intentional poison ingestion. Zetes mentioned in 2020-21 UW Wellness children observed approximately 200 intentional poisoning ingestions in young children over 11 — quite a few from medication. 

“Parents and caregivers want to help save the poison overall health variety, 1-800-222-1222, in their telephone,” he reported. “Specialists at poison management facilities are readily available all-around the clock to offer no cost, confidential, pro tips about poison emergencies and solution issues about drugs.”