Hanoi: 1-year-old baby has convulsions and needs ventilator after drinking herbal mosquito repellent

(Dan Tri) - A familiar bottle of mosquito repellent essential oil in many families has caused a boy to be hospitalized in critical respiratory failure.

Hanoi Children's Hospital has just received an emergency case of a male child who drank mosquito repellent essential oil.

According to Dr. Phi Van Cong, Intensive Care Unit, Hanoi Children's Hospital, the 15-month-old boy was transferred from a lower level in a state of severe respiratory failure, had to be intubated, put on a ventilator and receive immediate intensive treatment.

Previously, the child drank mosquito repellent essential oil solution. Through research, this essential oil is very popular, extracted from herbs but the solvent contains some chemicals that are dangerous to human health when inhaled or ingested.

Hanoi Children's Hospital has just received an emergency case of a male child who drank mosquito repellent essential oil (Photo: Hospital provided).

The baby's condition progressed rapidly and seriously.

The child had very bad lung damage and it was spread out on both sides. The chest X-ray showed very severe damage, which could cause acute respiratory failure and potentially lead to severe pulmonary fibrosis later on. The child had had many seizures before being transferred to the hospital.

Although the patient was put on a ventilator to control breathing, support circulation and nerves, and ensure that vital signs such as pulse, blood pressure, breathing rate, SPO2, and convulsions were well controlled, the patient's condition was still very serious. Lung damage was at risk of worsening in the next 4-72 hours.

Doctors warn: “Some chemicals in the solvents of mosquito repellent essential oils are extremely dangerous if ingested.

Young children are particularly susceptible to these substances, which can lead to pneumonia, acute respiratory failure, seizures and the risk of permanent pulmonary fibrosis. Worryingly, many parents are still not fully aware of the toxicity of leaving mosquito repellent products within reach of young children.

Through this case, doctors recommend that parents pay special attention:

- Absolutely do not leave essential oils, mosquito repellants, or chemicals within reach of children.

- Read product warning labels carefully, especially those containing solvents or volatile substances.

- If you suspect your child has swallowed a chemical, take the suspicious object with your child to the nearest medical facility.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/ha-noi-be-1-tuoi-co-giat-tho-may-vi-uong-tinh-dau-duoi-muoi-thao-duoc-20250807105126390.htm