Child swallowed a small object: what to do?

Young children often put small objects in their mouths, and most swallowed items pass through the digestive tract without problems. However, some objects can get stuck or cause serious injury. The right response depends on what was swallowed and how your child is acting.

What is happening

A swallowed object travels down the food pipe (esophagus) into the stomach and then through the intestines. Most small, smooth objects pass within a few days. But certain objects, like button batteries, magnets, and sharp items, can cause severe damage if they lodge in the esophagus or intestines.

Emergency warning

Call your local emergency number immediately if your child has any of these signs:

• Difficulty breathing, noisy breathing, or choking
• Severe drooling or inability to swallow
• Severe chest or abdominal pain
• Vomiting blood or having bloody stools
• Sudden refusal to eat or drink

These could mean the object is blocking the airway or has caused internal injury.

What to do first

1. Stay calm and assess your child. If they are coughing forcefully or breathing normally, let them try to clear the object on their own. Do not intervene unless they cannot breathe.
2. Identify the object. Try to find out what was swallowed, how many, and when. This helps doctors decide on treatment.
3. Do not try to make your child vomit. Vomiting can cause more harm, especially with sharp objects or batteries.
4. Do not reach into the throat with your fingers unless the object is visible and easily removable; blind finger sweeps can push it further.
5. Call your doctor or a poison control center for advice. They can tell you whether to watch at home or seek immediate care.

What NOT to do

• Do not give your child food or drink to "push it down" unless advised by a medical professional.
• Do not ignore the incident even if your child seems fine; some objects cause delayed damage.
• Do not use laxatives or enemas without medical advice.
• Do not assume a small object is harmless; button batteries and magnets are especially dangerous.

When to seek professional care

Seek medical attention right away if your child swallowed:

• A button battery (coin battery)
• More than one magnet, or a magnet and a metal object
• A sharp object (pin, needle, glass, bone)
• A large object or one that could get stuck (e.g., a coin larger than a quarter in a young child)
• Any object and has ongoing symptoms like drooling, vomiting, or pain

For other objects, call your doctor for guidance. They may recommend watching for symptoms or getting an X-ray.

What to monitor

If your child is sent home to wait, watch for these signs over the next few days:

• Abdominal pain, especially if it gets worse
• Vomiting, especially green or bloody
• Refusal to eat or drink
• Blood in the stool
• Fever
• Drooling or trouble swallowing

If any of these occur, call your doctor or seek emergency care.

How to prevent it

Keep small objects out of reach, especially button batteries, magnets, coins, and small toys. Check toys for loose parts and follow age recommendations. Supervise young children during play.

Remember: this is general information, not a substitute for professional medical advice. In an emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.