To analyze the causes, approaches and countermeasures of common acute poisoning of the elderly in Yanting County, Sichuan Province retrospectively.

From January 2015 to December 2016, 101 cases of poisoning in the Department of Nephrology Yanting People’s Hospital of Sichuan Province were collected and analyzed retrospectively, including 52 males and 49 females, aged 61-93 years (72.7±8.0 years). The way, type, cause and proportion of poisoning were analyzed.

Among the elderly patients, 57(56.44%) committed suicide by taking poison, 13 (12.87%) by taking drugs and poisons by mistake, 10(9.90%) by skin absorption, 9(8.91%) by improper preparation of traditional Chinese medicine, 6(5.95%) by drinking too much, and 6(5.95%) by inhalation. 100 cases recovered and discharged, accounting for 99%, and 1 case died, accounting for 1%. The patients were all township and rural residents outside the town.

The main cause of the common acute poisoning of the elderly in this area is taking poison to commit suicide, followed by improper use of drugs and taking poison by mistake. It is suggested to strengthen the popularization of anti poisoning science among the elderly residents in rural areas.