Renowned health educator, Dr Chinonso Egemba, popularly known as Aproko Doctor, has cautioned Nigerians against the widespread practice of giving palm oil or forcing vomiting when someone accidentally ingests kerosene or other toxic substances, warning that such actions can aggravate the situation and even lead to death.
In a video shared on X, Egemba highlighted a real-life case currently under medical care, involving a child who developed serious complications after palm oil was administered following accidental poisoning. According to him, the well-meaning intervention significantly worsened the child’s condition.
“There is a child in the hospital right now suffering because palm oil was poured into their mouth after they drank poison,” he said.
The doctor explained that substances like kerosene and petrol are light and easily aspirated, making the lungs, rather than the stomach, the most vulnerable organ in such cases. He noted that forcing liquids or inducing vomiting increases the risk of the poison entering the airways.
“Kerosene and petrol are very light and slippery. When you force things into the mouth, it can easily go into the lungs,” Egemba explained.
He disclosed that the affected child is now battling chemical pneumonia, a severe lung condition caused by inhaling toxic substances.
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“That child is now struggling with chemical pneumonia because the kerosene entered the lungs, and breathing has become very difficult,” he added.
Egemba warned against common emergency reactions in many homes, including pushing fingers down the throat to induce vomiting or administering substances believed to counteract poison.
“If someone around you drinks poison, do not try to make them vomit. Don’t give palm oil, milk or any home remedy,” he cautioned.
He stressed that inducing vomiting can accelerate the spread of poison into the lungs, leading to rapid deterioration and, in severe cases, death. According to him, medical professionals often focus on monitoring breathing and treating the specific poison involved, rather than forcing it out of the body.
“In many cases, the safest thing is to rush the person to the hospital. Sometimes, doing nothing at home is better than forcing palm oil or even activated charcoal,” he said.
The health educator also called out the film industry for repeatedly portraying palm oil as an antidote for poisoning, noting that such depictions influence public behaviour and reinforce dangerous
