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Poisoning is defined as exposure to an agent that can cause organ dysfunction, leading to injury or death. Of more than 1.7 million poisoning exposures per year, 60.8% involve children less than 6 years of age.
Clinical Evaluation of Poisoning
The type of toxin involved should be determined. Single-agent exposures are most common in early childhood; however, intentional ingestions in adolescents may involve several drugs. The time of the exposure and how much time has elapsed should be assessed.
| Poisonings Among Children Under 6 Years Old | |
| Toxin | Percentage |
| Pharmaceuticals | |
| Analgesics | 21.4 |
| Cough/cold preparations | 17.3 |
| Topical agents | |
Treatment