A boy in Hanoi is in critical condition after drinking mosquito repellent essential oil.

After drinking his family's mosquito repellent essential oil, a 15-month-old boy in Hanoi was hospitalized in critical respiratory failure.

The patient is being treated intensively at Hanoi Children's Hospital - Photo: BVCC

On August 7, Hanoi Children's Hospital announced that it had just received emergency treatment for a baby boy (15 months old) who had ingested mosquito repellent essential oil.

According to Dr. Phi Van Cong, Intensive Care Unit, Hanoi Children's Hospital, the 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.

Mosquito repellent essential oil bottle that child drank - Photo: BVCC

Previously, the child drank a mosquito repellent essential oil solution that the family often used. Through researching information on the product, doctors found that 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.

According to Dr. Cong, the child's condition progressed rapidly and became serious. The child had had many seizures before being transferred to the hospital.

According to the chest X-ray image, the lung damage is very severe, can cause acute respiratory failure and has the potential risk of severe pulmonary fibrosis later.

Although the child was put on a ventilator to control breathing, support circulation and nerves, ensure vital signs such as pulse, blood pressure, breathing rate, SPO2, and seizures were well controlled,...

"However, the disease is still very serious. Lung damage is at risk of worsening in the next 48 - 72 hours," said Dr. Cong.

Doctors warn that some chemicals in the solvents of mosquito repellent essential oils are extremely dangerous if ingested. Children are especially sensitive to these substances, which can lead to pneumonia, acute respiratory failure, convulsions 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 should pay special attention to absolutely 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 a child has swallowed a chemical - take the suspected object with the child to the nearest medical facility immediately.

WILLOW

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/uong-phai-tinh-dau-duoi-muoi-mot-be-trai-o-ha-noi-nguy-kich-20250807105448311.htm