Young children put many things in their mouths. Older children may consume substances out of curiosity. It's common for children to swallow alcohol by accident. Even a small amount of alcohol can cause alcohol poisoning in children. This can result in serious illness and sometimes death.
Children’s bodies absorb alcohol fast. This can happen in less than 30 minutes. Alcohol affects the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). Symptoms can include confusion, vomiting, and seizures. The child may have trouble breathing and flushed (red) or pale skin. Alcohol reduces the gag reflex. This can cause choking. Alcohol may also cause low blood sugar in children. A coma can result from this low blood sugar or the alcohol itself.
A child may swallow alcohol when an alcoholic drink is left out by accident. But alcohol is also found in other liquids, such as:
-
Energy drinks.
-
Mouthwashes.
-
Some cold medicines.
-
Hand sanitizers.
-
Colognes and perfumes.
-
Lotions.
-
Some cleaning fluids.
Small amounts of alcohol can cause symptoms in young children. Even inhaling rubbing alcohol can make a child sick.
Children who have consumed alcohol need to be treated right away. Glucose may be given through an IV (intravenous) line. Sometimes the contents of the stomach are taken out by using a tube. Children are watched until they get better. Some children may need more care. If neglect is suspected, child protective services should be told.
Prevention
-
Know which products in your home contain alcohol.
-
Keep all products with alcohol out of your child’s reach. Put them in locked cabinets. All products should be kept in their original, labeled containers.
-
Throw away unfinished alcoholic drinks. Don't leave them out on a table or counter.
-
Put all harmful products, including those containing alcohol, back into locked cabinets right after use.
-
Throw away used containers where your child can't get them.
-
Teach your child the dangers of tasting any substance without your approval.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your child's health care provider, or as advised.
Special note to parents
The National Poison Control Center phone number is 800-222-1222. Put this on speed dial on your phone. And also keep it posted in your home. Call Poison Control and
-
The name of the substance.
-
How much is missing.
-
How long ago it happened.
-
The child’s age and weight.
-
Whether the child is having any symptoms.
-
Your phone number to stay in touch with you.
Call 911
Call
-
Your child has trouble breathing or slow, irregular breathing.
-
Your child is choking.
-
Your child has chest pain.
-
Your child is extremely drowsy.
-
Your child has heavy bleeding or is vomiting blood.
-
Your child has trouble waking up.
-
Your child faints or loses consciousness.
-
Your child has a rapid heart rate.
-
Your child has a seizure.
Have the bottle, can, or container the child drank from available for the paramedics.
When to call the doctor
Contact your child's health care provider right away if:
-
Your child has alcohol on their breath.
-
Your child is vomiting.
-
Your child shows confusion.
-
Your child is giddy.
-
Your child's speech is slurred.
-
Your child can't walk normally or think clearly
Featured in
