Force-feeding children can cause serious complications —Paediatrician warns
Parents and caregivers have been cautioned against force-feeding children, a practice that health professionals say can lead to serious complications and, in severe cases, death.
Dr Amanda Fofie, a paediatrician at the Rebecca Akufo-Addo Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, has warned against the practice of force-feeding children, which can lead to serious complications and, in extreme cases, death. Over the past two years, the PICU has admitted several children with complications related to force-feeding.
Dr Fofie started the "Protect My Little Lungs" campaign to educate parents and caregivers about the dangers of force-feeding. She emphasized that if a child is not eating much, the best course of action is to take them to the hospital, as most children have normal weights. The campaign aims to combat the cultural desire for plump-looking children, which can lead parents to force-feed their children, despite the risks.
Dr Fofie advised parents not to panic if a child only eats small quantities throughout the day, as even a few spoons are acceptable. Stephanie Appiah, a nurse at the unit, also cautioned against giving children palm oil or milk after they accidentally ingest harmful substances, as forcing palm oil into a child's mouth can cause severe complications by entering their lungs.
She stressed that in cases of harmful ingestion, the immediate action should be to take the child to the nearest health facility.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
