Swallowed substances
7-minute read
If your child has swallowed a substance, find the product packet. Take the packet and your child to the phone and call the Poisons Information Line on 13 11 26. If someone has stopped breathing or collapsed, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.
Key facts
- Common items can be swallowed by accident, including household products.
- If you suspect that someone has swallowed a poisonous substance, get medical help immediately.
- Call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for first aid advice.
- Store all medicines, chemicals and cleaning products in a high, locked cupboard out of sight and reach of children.
Which substances often get swallowed?
Common household and garden products may be swallowed by accident. When they cause harm, it's called poisoning by ingestion.
Drugs and alcohol
Some common substances that can cause poisoning when swallowed by adults or children are:
- alcohol
- illegal drugs
- medicines
Household products
In children, poisoning is most often caused by common household products, such as:
- cleaning products
- bleach
- pesticides and herbicides
- soap and hand sanitiser
- make-up and cosmetics
Poisonous plants and mushrooms
While poisonous plants do not have any common characteristics, they are more likely to be poisonous if they have:
- a funny smell
- milky sap
- red seeds
- red berries
Children under 2 years of age are most at risk of eating poisonous plants.
Foraging for food is becoming increasingly popular in Australia. Foraging for your own food increases your risk of being accidentally poisoned.
Some wild mushrooms, including the death cap, are extremely poisonous. You shouldn't eat foraged mushrooms unless you know that they are safe.
If you suspect you have eaten poisonous mushrooms, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.
Non-food substances
Some people regularly eat non-food substances such as:
- chalk
- soap
- paper
- soil
When this continues for more than one month it's called 'pica'.
What are the symptoms when a substance is swallowed?
The signs of poisoning from a swallowed substance depend on the substance involved. They may include:
- nausea or vomiting
- tummy pain
- seizures
- headaches
- drowsiness
- breathing problems
- blurred vision
- diarrhoea
These symptoms may happen straight away. But with some substances, the onset of symptoms can be delayed, sometimes for several days.
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
Why might someone swallow a substance?
Accidental poisoning — children
Young children are naturally curious and explore their environment by putting things in their mouths. Poisoning is most common in children aged 5 years or younger.
Sometimes substances are swallowed accidentally, if they are stored in food containers such as soft drink bottles.
Accidental poisoning — adults
Adults may accidentally:
- take the wrong medicine — this may be medicine that's been prescribed for someone else
- take too much medicine by mistake
- drink too much alcohol
- mix alcohol with medicines
Self-harm
Some people swallow substances deliberately to harm or injure themselves.
If you, or someone you know, is having suicidal thoughts and is in immediate danger, call triple zero (000). For help and support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
How is poisoning by a swallowed substance diagnosed?
A doctor or paramedic will ask about the substance you have swallowed and examine you. They will want to know:
- what substances you have swallowed
- when you swallowed the substance (how long ago)
- why you swallowed the substance (whether it was an accident)
- how much you swallowed
When you seek medical help after swallowing a substance, take with you:
- the product container
- a photo of the container
Your doctor may recommend tests such as:
When should I seek urgent care?
If the person is vomiting, drowsy, unconscious, or having seizures, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance, or go to the closest emergency department.
If you suspect that someone has swallowed a poisonous substance, get medical help immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to occur.
You can call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 — they will be able to give you first aid advice.
Do not call the Poisons Information Centre in a medical emergency — call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.
What should I do while waiting for an ambulance?
If you think someone has been poisoned, ask them to sit still. Stay with them while you wait for the ambulance to arrive.
Try to get them to spit out anything that is still in their mouth. Do not try to make them vomit.
Take a photo of the product with your phone or write down the product details. It's helpful to know what substance was taken.
If the poisoned person has collapsed or is not breathing, start resuscitation.
How is someone who has swallowed a substance treated?
Your treatment will depend on the substance swallowed. Possible treatments can include:
- Activated charcoal — this binds to the poison and stops it being absorbed into your bloodstream.
- Antidotes — these can prevent the poison from working or reverse its effects.
- Sedatives — may be given if you are agitated.
- Anti-seizure medicines — if you have seizures.
Mental health treatment and support is also available for those who need it. You may be referred for treatment with a qualified mental health professional.
How do I prevent a substance from being swallowed?
It's very important to store all medicines, chemicals and cleaning products in a:
- high, locked cupboard
- out of sight and out of reach of children
Leave all medicines, chemicals and cleaning products in their original containers. Make sure that they are clearly labelled and that their lids are secure. Put them away immediately after use.
To reduce the risk of accidental poisoning by medicines:
- Always carefully read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
- If you're unsure about any of the instructions or have further questions, ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice.
- Never take a medicine that's been prescribed for someone else.
- Keep all medicines out of reach of children.
It's important to learn to recognise and avoid poisonous plants.
Complications from swallowing a substance
Complications can vary depending on the substance swallowed.
Some substances can be harmful even in small amounts. They may cause complications such as:
- agitation
- nausea and vomiting
- high or low heart rate
- altered consciousness or delirium — a sudden change in your thinking and behaviour
- seizures
- organ failure — heart, lungs, kidneys or liver
- coma
Complications from swallowing some substances can be life-threatening.
Resources and support
Kidsafe Australia has information about child safety.
For more information and support on poisons you can visit the NSW Poisons Information Centre. They give telephone advice Australia-wide on 13 11 26. It's a good idea to save their number in your contacts list.
You can read more about food poisoning here.
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Other languages
Do you read a language other than English? The Royal Children's Hospital has poisoning prevention tips in 11 languages including Arabic, Burmese, Chinese, Farsi and Vietnamese.