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A Swallowed Household Substance

A swallowed household substance is a cleaner, medicine, chemical or other non-food product that a child accidentally drinks or eats.

Medicines, detergents, cleaners, cosmetics, fuels and many other household products can cause poisoning. The effects depend on the substance, amount and concentration.

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AAP Guide to a Swallowed Household Substance

The AAP guide below explains what information to gather, what not to do and when your child needs emergency care.

AAP Symptom CheckerSwallowed a substance

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When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

  • Call Poison Control after a suspected household poisoning, even if you are unsure how much was swallowed.
  • Follow Poison Control’s instructions about whether your child needs medical evaluation.
  • Contact your pediatrician for ongoing symptoms or follow-up after the exposure.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

  • Your child is unconscious, not breathing or having a seizure.
  • Your child has severe burns, severe drowsiness or trouble breathing.
  • Your child has a life-threatening poisoning emergency.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

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