Version July 2025
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What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of your child after getting medical care for a health problem.
What is an accidental ingestion? —
This means swallowing medicine, chemicals, poison, or another harmful substance by accident.
Different chemicals and other substances can cause different injuries to the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, or lungs. Some only cause mild symptoms. Others can do serious long-term damage.
Treatment depends on what the child swallowed and how much.
How do I care for my child at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for your child. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also:
●Lower the risk of accidental ingestion happening again:
•Keep all medicines out of reach of children.
•Teach your child medicine is not candy, and it can be dangerous to take too much.
•Store all possibly harmful substances where children cannot get to them. Examples include alcohol, cleaning products, insect or rodent poisons, perfumes, and other chemicals. If any of these are stored within the reach of children, use child safety locks on cabinets and drawers.
●Keep the number for the Poison Center (1-800-222-1222 in the US), in case your child accidentally swallows something again.
What follow-up care does my child need? —
The doctor or nurse will tell you if you need to make a follow-up appointment. If so, make sure you know when and where to go.
When should I call the doctor? —
Depending on what your child swallowed and how severe their poisoning was, you might need to watch them for other problems after going home. The doctor or nurse will tell you about any important symptoms to watch for.
Patient education: Accidental ingestion in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Swallowed objects (The Basics)
Patient education: Acetaminophen poisoning (The Basics)
Patient education: Lead poisoning (The Basics)
