Introduction
Poisons are chemical or physical agents that produce adverse responses in biological systems.
Poisoning on the other hand is the ingestion by, or exposure of a patient to excessive doses of a medicine or other substances that may cause harm.
Kerosene poisoning is similar to poisoning by other petroleum distillates; commoner in children.
Petroleum distillate hydrocarbons are poorly absorbed following ingestion
(Aspiration may occur resulting in
aspiration pneumonitis)
Clinical features of kerosene poisoning
- CNS excitation (low doses); depression (high doses)
- Rarely coma and seizures
- Others: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoeal
Investigations
- Electrolytes, Urea and serum Creatinine
- Liver function tests
- Chest radiograph
- Electrocardiography
Non-drug treatment for kerosene poisoning
- Gastric lavage and decongestion are
contraindicated because of the risk of aspiration
Supportive measures
- Oxygen administration
- Respiratory support
- Monitoring liver, renal and myocardial function
- Correct metabolic abnormalities
Drug treatment for kerosene poisoning
- Antibiotics for aspiration pneumonitis
- NB: Glucocorticoids are ineffective