Prediction of illness severity and outcome of children with kerosene ingestion admitted in Tirunelveli Medical College using the scoring system for hydrocarbon poisoning

Kerosene poisoning is common in children in developing countries like India. Kerosene is used for cooking and lighting purpose in India especially in rural areas. Kerosene is commonly stored in water bottles or in soft drink bottles and the colour of kerosene makes them attractive to children. Kerosene because of its low surface tension, gets aspirated while ingestion and commonly following vomiting and causes chemical pneumonitis. The Scoring system for hydrocarbon poisoning is very useful in assessing the clinical severity and outcome of children with kerosene poisoning. Kerosene poisoning is common among boys, less than 3 years of age from rural population. Poisoning occurs commonly during summer. Vomiting is an important risk factor for developing chemical pneumonitis