Lamp oil poisoning
Kerosene poisoning
- Kerosene is an oil used as a fuel for lamps, as well as heating and cooking. This article discusses the harmful effects from swallowing or breathing in kerosene.
This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual poison exposure. If you or someone you are with has an exposure, call your local emergency number (such as 911), or your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.
Poisonous Ingredient
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Poisonous Ingredient has been expanded.
Hydrocarbons, substances that contain only hydrogen and carbon.
Where Found
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Where Found has been expanded.
These ingredients can be found in:
Kerosene (a fuel used for heating and cooking)Some lamp fuels
Note: This list may not be all-inclusive.
Symptoms
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Symptoms has been expanded.
Kerosene poisoning can cause symptoms in various parts of the body.
AIRWAYS AND LUNGS
Breathing difficulty (from inhalation)Throat swelling (may also cause breathing difficulty)
EYES, EARS, NOSE, AND THROAT
Pain
Vision loss
STOMACH AND INTESTINES
Abdominal pain
Bloody stools
Burns of the esophagus (food pipe)Vomiting, possibly with blood
HEART AND BLOOD
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Low blood pressure -- develops rapidly
NERVOUS SYSTEM
Convulsions
Depression
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Euphoria ("drunk" feeling)
Headache
Loss of alertness (unconsciousness)
Seizures
Staggering
Weakness
SKIN
Burns Irritation
Home Care
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Home Care has been expanded.
Get medical help right away. DO NOT make the person throw up unless told to do so by poison control or a health care provider.
If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.
If the chemical was swallowed, immediately give the person water or milk, unless instructed otherwise by a provider. DO NOT give water or milk if the person is unconscious (has a decreased level of alertness).
If the person breathed in the poison, immediately move him or her to fresh air.
Before Calling Emergency
Poison Control
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Poison Control has been expanded.
Your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.
This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does not need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What to Expect at the Emergency Room
What to Expect at the Emergency Room has been expanded.
Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.
The provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including
-Temperature,
-Pulse,
-Breathing rate, and
-Blood pressure.
Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The person may receive:
-Breathing support, including
A tube through the mouth into the lungs, and A breathing machine (ventilator).
-Bronchoscopy. Camera placed down the throat to see burns in the airways and lungs.
-Chest x-ray EKG (heart tracing)
-Endoscopy. Camera placed down the throat to see burns in the esophagus and the stomach.
Fluids through a vein (IV)
-Surgical removal of burned skin (skin debridement)
-Tube through the mouth into the stomach to wash out the stomach (gastric lavage).
-Washing of the skin (irrigation).
Perhaps every few hours for several days.
(Prognosis)
(Prognosis) has been expanded.
How well a person does depends on the amount of poison swallowed and how quickly treatment was received. The faster a person gets medical help, the better the chance for recovery.
Swallowing kerosene may cause damage to the linings of the mouth, throat, esophagus (food pipe), stomach, and intestines. If kerosene gets into the lungs (aspiration), serious and, possibly, permanent lung damage can occur.
Damage can continue to occur for several weeks after the poison was swallowed. Death may occur as long as a month later.
Alternative Names
Alternative Names has been expanded.
Lamp oil poisoning; Coal oil poisoning
Differential Diagnoses
Treatment
Antibiotics to treat an infection
Prevent and treat allergies by corticosteroid drugs (hydrocortisone <12years 2.5mg/kg 6hrly in 24hrs >12years 2-5mg/kg 6hrly in 24hrs )
Children ingestion kerosene
References has been expanded.
Lee DC. Hydrocarbons. In: Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, et al, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2014:chap 158.
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