In the US, more than 80,000 children swallow objects other than food every year, and most are between 6 months and 3 years of age.

Foreign objects include, but are not limited to, coins, magnets, button batteries, bottle tops, etc., all of which can pose a threat to a child’s airway and digestive tract.  

Most of the time, these incidents are related to curiosity, which children, especially toddlers, possess. Children learn through senses, which include taste. 

It seems everything finds its way to a child's mouth. It can be a scary moment when you look over and see your child putting something in his or mouth that you know does not belong there. 

At other times, it may not be obvious when your child has swallowed something, but if he starts coughing, drooling, choking, vomiting or refusing to eat or drink, it is important to seek emergency medical care. 

Always call 911 if your child is having trouble breathing and you are unsure of the cause. A foreign object can block the airway, leading to respiratory distress, which is a medical emergency. 

Potential Dangers

Coins are the most swallowed foreign object in children. Most coins will pass through the GI tract and in stool with ease, but a foreign object can sometimes cause disruption to the GI process. 

Button batteries, if swallowed, are a medical emergency. If this happens, take your child to the ER immediately. This ingestion is becoming more and more common. If you have anything in your home with a button battery, it is important to make sure it is secured or even out of reach of a child due to the hazard of swallowing. 

If your child swallows a magnet, it can also be detrimental. The child needs to be seen promptly by a medical professional. 

Small objects without sharp edges like beads or small toys do not pose as much threat, but the child does need to be monitored closely. Do not assume that the object will pass on its own without calling your doctor. 

Help!

If you have children in your home, keep the poison control phone number, 1-800-222-1222, readily available. If your child swallows an object and you know what it was, you can call poison control to find out about potential harm.

North Mississippi Health Services offers Nurse Link®, a valuable resource for determining when to seek medical care. Call 1-800-882-6274 to speak directly to a registered nurse and get immediate answers.

Of course, 911 should be called in any emergency situation. 

Treatment

Treatment may include X-rays or other imaging as needed. Appropriate lab work may also be collected.  Procedures may need to be done to remove objects depending on the threat they cause to the airway and GI tracts. 

Prevention

A good rule of thumb is to look around your home at your child's eye level and see what objects may pose a threat to be swallowed. Make sure all toys are age-appropriate and that any small pieces are safely put away to lessen the threat.