Unconsciousness in Children

A child may become unconscious for a variety of reasons such as a head injury, asphyxia, epilepsy, shock, infantile convulsions, overwhelming infection, and poisoning.

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Treating Stings

Insect Stings

Bees, hornets, and wasps often leave a sting in the wound; they all inject a small amount of poison, which causes pain and swelling in the skin.

If possible, remove the sting with sterilized tweezers or the point of a needle, taking care not to squeeze the sting as this will cause more poison to enter the wound. Apply antihistamine cream immediately; if this is not available a solution of ammonia (one teaspoonful to a cup of water) or bicarbonate of soda (Two teaspoonfuls to a cup of warm water) may be used to relieve the pain. Soak a piece of cotton in the solution and bandage lightly in place.

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Shock in Children

Shock may result from severe bleeding, burns, crush injuries, a ruptured appendix, or loss of body fluid. The child in shock is likely to exhibit the following signs and symptoms: a very pale face, cold, clammy skin, profuse sweating, blurred vision, a feeling of giddiness, rapid, shallow breathing, an anxious appearance, and an increased pulse rate followed by a weak, faint pulse.

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Poisoning in Children

If your child has swallowed anything poisonous, urgent medical help is needed, so take the child to the hospital.

Treatment

If the child is conscious, quickly ask him what he has swallowed as he may soon lose consciousness.

If his lips and mouth show signs of burns (from a corrosive poison such as gasoline, paraffin, strong acid, caustic soda, or strong bleaches), first give him large quantities of milk or water to neutralize the poison. Do not induce vomiting.

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Fits (Convulsions) in Children

These take many forms, from general jerking of the whole body, lasting several minutes, to brief periods of blankness, without any movement, lasting less than a second.

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Burns and Scalds in Children

Dry heat, chemicals, electricity, powder (from firework or cap pistols), and moist heat are the most common causes of burns and scalds. Prompt hospital attention should be given to young children who suffer even the smallest burn, particularly if the skin is broken.

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