Teenagers hospitalized after substance use double this autumn

The number of teenagers admitted to hospital after using intoxicating substances has doubled this autumn compared with last year, LSM reported, citing information published by the Children’s Clinical University Hospital.

During the autumn school holiday, 15 young people were treated at the hospital after consuming alcohol or other substances. The youngest patient was 12. The hospital called the figures concerning and urged parents to talk with teenagers about where they spend their time and who they are with.

From October 19 to 25, the hospital’s Emergency Medical Centre treated 1,279 children and young people, an average of 180 a day. That was one-fifth more than during the autumn holiday week last year. Patient numbers were highest towards the end of the week.

The holiday week was quieter than a regular school week. The centre treated an average of 1,530 patients a week in September and October, rising to 1,660 in mid-October. During the holiday, patient numbers were about 17% lower.

Nearly half of the patients treated last week were preschool-age children, while a third were teenagers. Injuries were the most common reason for visits: one in three patients had bruises or fractures. Fingers and hands were most often injured, while head injuries were typical among younger children.

Seasonal infections, including upper respiratory viral infections, laryngitis, acute gastroenteritis and middle ear infections, were the second-largest group of cases.

The hospital advised parents to keep sick children at home and send them to school or kindergarten only on the recommendation of a family doctor. It also urged people to wear reflectors in the dark and helmets when riding bicycles or scooters, and to remind children to do the same.