Recovery & Support for Poisoning in Children

The doctors at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone provide children with ongoing support throughout recovery from poisoning. This includes monitoring in the hospital for changes in heart rhythm and difficulty breathing. Any changes in vital signs may necessitate additional treatments. Our child and family support services and resilience programs are provided by Sala Institute for Child and Family Centered Care.

Children with no or minimal symptoms typically remain in the hospital for observation for four to six hours after exposure. Children with significant symptoms are typically admitted to the hospital. Specialists, such as pediatric gastroenterologists or ear, nose, and throat doctors, may provide additional consultation as needed, depending on the type of poisoning and the affected organs.

Follow-Up Care After Poisoning Treatment

After treatment for poisoning, our doctors may recommend that you follow up with your child’s healthcare professional, who typically checks your child’s vital signs, performs a physical examination, and provides advice for preventing poisonings at home and elsewhere.

Poisoning Prevention

After treatment, it’s important to take steps to prevent another poisoning by putting items that are potentially toxic out of your child’s reach. These items include medications, cleaning products, hydrocarbons such as kerosene, household plants, and batteries.

Be sure to keep the phone number for Poison Help and the New York City Poison Control Center available: 1-800-222-1222. Experts are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer questions about the storage and safety of toxic substances in your home. All calls are free and confidential, and translation services are available in more than 150 languages.