In an ideal world, the house is a safe haven where no harm can come to our family. But in the real world, there are infinite ways in which we could harm ourselves, even in the comfort of our own homes. And sadly, children are most often the victims.
Here are ten of the most common injuries that occur inside the house and that you should be aware of.
1. Falling objects
Once children start walking, the dangers found around the house increases. At this stage in their lives, they are compelled to grab and touch and inspect things. Parents need to be cautious of everything that their babies might get a hold of and yank, such as electrical cords, table cloths, and dish towels.
2. Trips and falls
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Everyone can fall and injure themselves, but particularly prone to falling are young and old people. Often when people fall, they will sustain only minor injuries. But on severe cases, they may break a bone or suffer a concussion. Immediately call the doctor if someone who had just fallen experiences some of these symptoms: drowsiness, vomiting, loss of consciousness.
3. Bruises
Bruising is usually a straightforward condition, and home remedies such as applying cold compress on the affected area help alleviate the pain and reduce swelling. Severe bruising, however, can sometimes be indicative of a more serious condition such as broken bones. If pain continues and the bruise restricts limb movement, it’s best that a medical professional be consulted.
4. Sprains
A sprain occurs when a ligament (the part that connects the joints) is stretched, twisted, or torn. Common body parts that are affected include knees, ankles and wrists. Applying a cold compress to the affected areas help with the pain.
5. Cuts
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Cuts can either be mild or severe. Blood usually accompanies the cut skin, but it usually subsides on its own. When treating a cut, it is important to apply pressure to the area to stop the bleeding and also to disinfect it. In the more severe cases, bleeding will not subside, and stitches may be needed to close the wound.
6. Burns
Children will be prone to burns, especially if they accidentally touch a hot beverage or surface in the kitchen. This is why children must be kept a safe distance away from open fires and other machines that emit heat, like irons and hair straighteners. If someone in the household burns themselves, the affected area should be held under cold running water for ten minutes, then assess the damage.
7. Choking
Young ones are fond of putting items in their mouths. Unfortunately, the items they get a hold of are small and often get stuck in their windpipes, cutting off their oxygen supply. If parents fail to dislodge the object, it’s crucial that emergency services be called immediately.
8. Poisoning
The house is also filled with regular items that, when ingested, are poisonous. Some of these items include mothballs, cleaners, insecticides, oils, antifreeze, dish and laundry detergents, bleach, and toilet cleaners. Medicines also fall under this category. Such items must be locked away or kept in a place where children will not reach them.
9. Glass-related injuries
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These injuries don’t only include the obvious culprits, such as kitchenware and windows. Furniture equipped with glass panels are equally dangerous and can cause serious cuts. They must properly be child-proof if there’s a child in the house to prevent injuries.
10. Drowning
As long as there is water present, drowning can occur. You don’t have to have a pool or a tub for it to happen. It is important to remember that whenever a child gets in contact with water, shallow or not, parental supervision is always needed.
Source: NHS