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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Child May Have Swallowed Petroleum Jelly. Is It Harmless?

My 2 year old daughter crawled out of bed and went through a small jar of petroleum jelly and got it all over her hair. We're not sure if she swallowed any. There doesnt appear to be any in her mouth but when we ask her if she ate any she said yes. If she did swallow some should we take her to the hospital or is it harmless?
Thu, 18 Apr 2013
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Pediatrician,  's  Response
Hi,

Thank you for your query on Healthcare Magic.

Petroleum jelly is derived from hydrocarbons which may lead to acute neurological complications like seizures, delirium if ingested in significant amounts.

And there are chances of aspiration of jelly into lungs leading to development of aspiration pneumonia.

Is there any cough?

Is the child having rapid breathing?

Is the child drowsy?

Is there any smell coming from mouth?

This information will tell the chances of ingestion and their effects.

Consult your ER if any danger signs present or consult once your Pediatrician if the child activity is normal and there are no any danger signs for the examination to rule out any abnormal signs of ingestion.

Hope I have answered your query.

Regards.
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Child May Have Swallowed Petroleum Jelly. Is It Harmless?

Hi, Thank you for your query on Healthcare Magic. Petroleum jelly is derived from hydrocarbons which may lead to acute neurological complications like seizures, delirium if ingested in significant amounts. And there are chances of aspiration of jelly into lungs leading to development of aspiration pneumonia. Is there any cough? Is the child having rapid breathing? Is the child drowsy? Is there any smell coming from mouth? This information will tell the chances of ingestion and their effects. Consult your ER if any danger signs present or consult once your Pediatrician if the child activity is normal and there are no any danger signs for the examination to rule out any abnormal signs of ingestion. Hope I have answered your query. Regards.