Kerosene

Definition

This poisoning is caused by exposure to kerosene.

Poisonous Ingredient

Hydrocarbons

Where Found

Kerosene
Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

• Respiratory
  o Breathing difficulty (from inhalation)
  o Throat swelling (which may also cause breathing difficulty)
  
• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  o Severe pain in the throat
  o Severe pain or burning in the nose, eyes, ears, lips, or tongue
  o Loss of vision
  
• Gastrointestinal
  o Severe abdominal pain
  o Vomiting
  o Burns of the esophagus (food pipe)
  o Vomiting blood
  o Blood in the stool
  
• Heart and blood vessels
  o Hypotension (low blood pressure) develops rapidly
  o Collapse
  
• Skin
  o Irritation
  o Burn
  o Necrosis (holes) in the skin or underlying tissues
  

Home Treatment
For any ingestion of a hydrocarbon, seek emergency medical care immediately. Call the Poison Control center for guidance. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING!

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• The patient's age, weight, and condition
  
• The name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
  
• The time it was swallowed
  
• The amount swallowed
  

Poison Control, or a local emergency number
See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Bring the kerosene container with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

• For swallowed poison
  o Placement of a tube down the nose and into the stomach (a nasogastric tube, or an NG tube) to wash out the stomach
  o Activated charcoal administration
  o Endoscopy - the placement of a camera down the throat to see the extent of burns to the esophagus and the stomach
  o Give IV fluidso Admission to the hospitalo Give an antidoteo Treat the symptoms