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Original poster

Child Bit Into Washing Capsule

47 replies

PatheticDistraction · 17/01/2024 21:30

I could kick myself - my autistic 5 year old managed to get hold of a washing capsule I put on the side while I turned my back - anyway, he ran in making a lot of noise, and downed a drink, we couldn't work out what was wrong for a couple of minutes (he's non verbal) - he spat his drink out and subsequently my husband found the washing capsule - not much of the contents had leaked, and after 5 mins he's happily running around again, and no longer smells of it.

I called 999 in a panic, and they suggested driving to the local A&E, which I will do - but it is such a trauma for him I just can't bear to be there all night needlessly and put him through that (he has a deep fear of hospitals after some intrusive tests) - but equally I'll probably spend the night worrying.

I know posting here is not the solution, but I would appreciate any advice.

OP posts:
Stillamum3 · 17/01/2024 21:36

If he didn't drink much and washed his mouth out as you describe, I wouldn't bother with A&E if he seems normal. Just give him plenty of water to drink over the next few hours.

rainrainSummerornot · 17/01/2024 21:39

I think you need to take him, take the box & if you have the remaining part of the tablet take it too.

Take jpad and charger and just go -

If you don't go & he is poorly you will regret going, if all fine it is just a few hours not sleeping but worth checking.

ayooplass · 17/01/2024 21:41

I think you need to go to hospital. Sorry. The contents of the pods are nasty and it sounds like it’s hard to tell how much he had. Hopefully he had very little and it will be a wasted journey. Good luck.

Nonamesleft1 · 17/01/2024 21:42

Call 111 and ask. They have a database and can tell you if it’s a problem and you need a+e.

The 999 call handlers won’t know.

Original poster
PatheticDistraction · 17/01/2024 21:44

He won't watch an ipad sadly, it will just be head banging and self injury when we get there, that's my fear. He still has bald patches from where he tore his hair out last time 😞

Our neighbour is a doctor, and their light is on - so I might give them a knock before we go and get their opinion.

OP posts:
rainrainSummerornot · 17/01/2024 21:47

Really tough situation, I think as 999 have suggested it then think that is the best way to go.

Original poster
PatheticDistraction · 17/01/2024 21:49

Sorry - just to add, husband found capsule & most of liquid still inside it. But yes, we are in the car - just dreading it, and how long we'll be there - no idea how we will manage him in the waiting room, he stims by screaming, and self regulates by jumping on his trampoline - he can't sit still & I'm just panicking about the meltdowns

OP posts:
Nonamesleft1 · 17/01/2024 21:50

PatheticDistraction · 17/01/2024 21:44

He won't watch an ipad sadly, it will just be head banging and self injury when we get there, that's my fear. He still has bald patches from where he tore his hair out last time 😞

Our neighbour is a doctor, and their light is on - so I might give them a knock before we go and get their opinion.

Unless your neighbour has experience with toxicology or chemical ingestion then it’s unlikely they’ll know.

honestly 111 will check it on their toxicology database. a&e will only do the same if you go there.

Tinybirdie · 17/01/2024 22:11

Insist they triage you first. I don't understand why basic compassion has been lost. My last visit to A&E was horrendous. They had no apparent triaging system. An elderly gentleman with dementia was in severe distress and they continued to take people in order they arrived. Don't stand for it. There is no need for your son to be exposed to such trauma when they can simply triage him through first. Boils my blood. Especially when you see people being taken before you for nonsense non emergencies.

rainrainSummerornot · 18/01/2024 07:11

@PatheticDistraction I hope all is ok & you got some rest.

Original poster
PatheticDistraction · 18/01/2024 10:00

Thank you for the kind wishes and advice - we made it to hospital, DS was super happy the whole way, but it was horrendous when we tried to get him into the hospital, kicking and screaming - we managed to get him into the waiting room and he promptly lashed out and bit my face, he got me really badly under my eye socket and drew blood. One side of my face is now purple, swollen & bruised - with a very clear bite mark. I could normally hide at home, but have a job interview today & a close friends 40th at the weekend. I just hate having to answer questions about this kind of thing, as I feel like it portrays DS as a violent monster, when he's just terribly scared.

The most important thing is that DS seems to have not ingested anything & although a doctor only got a brief look at him, was confident he was absolutely fine (aside from the distress at being at hospital). I'm feeling bit hopeless, and trying to ignore the stares I'm getting.

OP posts:
Oblomov23 · 18/01/2024 10:02

If only a tiny bit of liquid was consumed, surely not much damage could be done, and A&E wouldn't do very much. What exactly will A&E do?

Original poster
PatheticDistraction · 18/01/2024 10:06

Oblomov23 · 18/01/2024 10:02

If only a tiny bit of liquid was consumed, surely not much damage could be done, and A&E wouldn't do very much. What exactly will A&E do?

This was last night, but yes I'm inclined to agree with you now! It's just that all the warnings suggest seeking medical advice immediately as it constitutes a corrosive substance. I wish I hadn't put him through it now

OP posts:
noblegiraffe · 18/01/2024 10:10

When similar happened to me I phoned 111 and got a phone call back from a poisons advice line who were able to advise so that might be useful if it happens again.

Oblomov23 · 18/01/2024 10:15

No judgement OP, I get why you did, the advice is to do so. And if a lot had been consumed I could understand that it might make a small child quite unwell.

It's more I don't quite entirely get the automatic assumption that A&E is required. Yes soap, or washing up liquid, or liquid washing tablets, are not a good 'food'. But what happens if you consume a tiny amount. Not much surely? Other than having a slightly upset tummy!

Or are there other health issues I don't know about. Genuinely asking?

noblegiraffe · 18/01/2024 10:19

I would also have sought advice because there were those kids who died from eating washing capsules from that Tide Pod tiktok challenge a few years ago. I think they are very poisonous.

FleetwoodName · 18/01/2024 10:19

Oblomov23 · 18/01/2024 10:15

No judgement OP, I get why you did, the advice is to do so. And if a lot had been consumed I could understand that it might make a small child quite unwell.

It's more I don't quite entirely get the automatic assumption that A&E is required. Yes soap, or washing up liquid, or liquid washing tablets, are not a good 'food'. But what happens if you consume a tiny amount. Not much surely? Other than having a slightly upset tummy!

Or are there other health issues I don't know about. Genuinely asking?

I have read that those laundry capsules are a specific danger. Much more so than washing up liquid, laundry powder etc.

CandleWick4 · 18/01/2024 10:20

Hi OP, Glad all is ok. Just for reference 111 I think for things like this is probably your best bet if anything similar happens again. I won’t say as it’s very outing but when DD was 7 something similar happened in that something potentially toxic got in her eyes. 111 had a database they can access and were able to determine it wasn’t toxic and we could care for her at home but gave us advice on what to keep an eye out for etc etc.

MizzMarple · 18/01/2024 10:23

@Oblomov23 my child bit into one as a baby (and in case anyone wants to have a go at me it was an entirely fluke accident that I couldn’t have predicted and I’m not going to explain). He was ok ish at the time but about 30 mins later was really struggling to breathe and then fell unconscious. Luckily we were in hospital by then and steroids (I think) and oxygen sorted it but I was warned he might have to be intubated and moved to PICU. It’s a blur because it was so horrific but I think after it happened he breathed it into his lungs which was why it didn’t happen immediately.

Im so pleased it was OK for you OP but if anyone’s wondering what to do, do go to hospital!

Daffodils234 · 18/01/2024 10:23

Oh OP, I am so sorry about your experience with what happened. I had similar with my DD when she was little (she is not autistic but could only babble a few words). She managed to lick some cleaning foam from the floor as DH was cleaning a patio set - I got her to drink some water and rushed her to ED with the bottle of cleaning liquid. The staff looked up the toxicology report and checked her throat. We were advised just to monitor and, ultimately, she was fine. I was in ED last year and there was a child who drank half the contents of an ice pack! Child was fine but it did cause the parents worry.

I hope you and DS are OK and the job interview / party go well x

EmailAddress · 18/01/2024 10:27

@PatheticDistraction sorry this happened and you did the right thing. I don’t understand the posters who after being told by 999 to go to A&E they advised you not too. Burns by the washing liquid can rupture a child’s oesophagus.

Be honest about your face, there is no shame to hide. Your child had a meltdown when you had to take him to A&E. they should let people be triaged and then wait in their cars. You sound like a great mum

prescribingmum · 18/01/2024 10:27

Oblomov23 · 18/01/2024 10:15

No judgement OP, I get why you did, the advice is to do so. And if a lot had been consumed I could understand that it might make a small child quite unwell.

It's more I don't quite entirely get the automatic assumption that A&E is required. Yes soap, or washing up liquid, or liquid washing tablets, are not a good 'food'. But what happens if you consume a tiny amount. Not much surely? Other than having a slightly upset tummy!

Or are there other health issues I don't know about. Genuinely asking?

The contents are so corrosive that they dissolve your organs. They can dissolve the oesophagus/stomach/intestines if enough is ingested. Requires URGENT medical attention, warrants calling an ambulance and first priority (alongside heart attacks etc) if entire capsule swallowed - I’ve seen people die from this in ICU. Hope that answers your question

Im glad your son didn’t end up ingesting any and is ok OP

Oblomov23 · 18/01/2024 10:30

Dissolve your organs? Blimey. I thought it could make you very sick and vomit, or that the liquid itself could cause a skin burn, but I hadn't realised it actually dissolved organs? Sounds bad.

prescribingmum · 18/01/2024 10:38

Oblomov23 · 18/01/2024 10:30

Dissolve your organs? Blimey. I thought it could make you very sick and vomit, or that the liquid itself could cause a skin burn, but I hadn't realised it actually dissolved organs? Sounds bad.

In layman’s terms, those burns it causes to the oesophagus and stomach are dissolving them. Add to that the risk if any enters the airways (as a PP has pointed out happened to their child and resulted in ICU admission). Naturally, it does depend on which capsule and some are much more corrosive than others it was but this is something which should never be underestimated. The PP who are saying not to go to A&E or questioning what they will do are being extremely irresponsible.

Original poster
PatheticDistraction · 18/01/2024 10:38

Please, this is making me so anxious - the doctor barely got a look at him - would there be any additional signs that it was doing him damage??

OP posts:
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