Swallowed Foreign Body (Child)
It’s common for children to put objects (foreign bodies) in their mouths. Common objects that children swallow include small toys, marbles, screws, safety pins, coins, batteries, or pieces of glass or plastic. Whether or not the object moves all the way through the digestive tract depends on many factors. This includes the size and shape of the object, whether the object is sharp and pointy, and what the object is made of. In general, if the object has passed to the stomach or further in the gastrointestinal tract, there is no need for removal and it will pass on its own. Swallowed button batteries, multiple magnets, or any high-powered magnets are exceptions to this. They often need to be removed as they could cause damage to the digestive tract if left in place.
Based on your child’s evaluation, your child does not need treatment at this time. The swallowed object is expected to move through your child’s digestive tract and pass out of the body in the stool with no problems. This may take several days. If imaging tests were done, you will be told when the results are ready and if they affect your child’s treatment.
Home care
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Follow the doctor's instructions about what your child should eat and drink. In certain cases, your child may need to eat only soft foods and drink liquids for the first 24 to 48 hours.
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You will need to check your child’s stool for the next several days. This is so you can confirm that the object has passed. If the object does not pass during this time, it may mean that the object is stuck (lodged) somewhere along the digestive tract. In such cases, the object may need to be removed with a procedure, but this is not common.
Prevention
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Keep small objects that could be swallowed away from your child. These also carry the danger of choking and blockage of the air passage.
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Check toys often for loose or broken parts.
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Check each room in the house often for small objects such as buttons, coins, and toy parts.
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If your child is old enough, teach them not to put objects in their mouth.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your child's doctor as advised. You will be told if your child needs further treatment. In certain cases, your child may need to return to have imaging tests done.
When to get medical advice
Contact your child's doctor right away if your child:
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Has belly pain, cramps, or swelling.
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Won’t stop coughing.
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Has trouble swallowing or pain with swallowing.
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Won’t stop vomiting.
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Can't pass stool.
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Has a fever of 100.4°F ( 38°C) or higher, or as directed by your doctor (see Fever and children below).
Call 911
Call 911 if your child:
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Has trouble breathing or is wheezing.
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Has trouble speaking.
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Has an unusually fast heart rate.
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Has new or worsening chest pain.
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Is vomiting blood (red or black).
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Has blood in the stool (dark red or black color).
Fever and children
Use a digital thermometer to check your child’s temperature. Don’t use a mercury thermometer. There are different kinds and uses of digital thermometers. They include:
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Rectal. For children younger than 3 years, a rectal temperature is the most accurate.
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Forehead (temporal). This works for children age 3 months and older. If a child under 3 months old has signs of illness, this can be used for a first pass. The doctor may want to confirm with a rectal temperature.
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Ear (tympanic). Ear temperatures are accurate after 6 months of age, but not before.
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Armpit (axillary). This is the least reliable but may be used for a first pass to check a child of any age with signs of illness. The doctor may want to confirm with a rectal temperature.
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Mouth (oral). Don’t use a thermometer in your child’s mouth until they are at least 4 years old.
Use a rectal thermometer with care. Follow the product maker’s directions for correct use. Insert it gently. Label it and make sure it’s not used in the mouth. It may pass on germs from the stool. If you don’t feel okay using a rectal thermometer, ask your child's doctor what type to use instead. When you talk with any health care providers about your child’s fever, tell them which type you used.
Below is when to contact the doctor if your child has a fever. Your child’s doctor may give you different numbers. Follow their instructions.
When to contact a doctor about your child’s fever
For a baby under 3 months old:
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First, ask your child’s doctor how you should take the temperature.
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Rectal or forehead: 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
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Armpit: 99°F (37.2°C) or higher
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A fever of ___________ as advised by the doctor
For a child age 3 months to 36 months (3 years):
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Rectal or forehead: 102°F (38.9°C) or higher
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Ear (only for use over age 6 months): 102°F (38.9°C) or higher
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A fever of ___________ as advised by the doctor
In these cases:
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Armpit temperature of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher in a child of any age
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Temperature of 104°F (40°C) or higher in a child of any age
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A fever of ___________ as advised by the doctor