Care Advice
Swallowed Harmless Small Object and No Symptoms
- What You Should Know About Swallowed Objects:
- Most small, smooth or blunt objects pass without problems into the stomach.
- Since your child has no symptoms, the object should be in the stomach.
- In general, anything that can get to the stomach will pass through the intestines.
- Just to be sure it isn't stuck, perform a swallow test.
- Swallow Test - Check Your Child's Ability to Swallow Food:
- Give some water to drink.
- If swallowed easily, give bread to eat. Reason: If bread becomes hung up, enzymes found in saliva (spit) can dissolve it.
- If child swallows bread and water well, a normal diet is safe.
- When to Check Stools for the Object:
- For small smooth objects, checking the stools is not needed. Small means less than ½ inch (12 mm).
- For larger objects or those that are not smooth, check the stools. Also, check the stools if you are concerned for any reason.
- You can collect stools by having your child wear a diaper. Another way to do this is to have your child poop on a piece of paper.
- Slice the poop with a knife. Do this until you find the object.
- What You Should Expect:
- Swallowed objects almost always make it to the stomach. Once there, they usually travel safely through the intestines. They are passed in a normal stool in 2 or 3 days.
- There is nothing you can do to hurry this process.
- Call Your Doctor If:
- Your child can't swallow water and bread
- Your child is gagging or doesn't want to eat or drink
- Stomach pain, vomiting or bloody stools occur
- Coughing occurs
- Object hasn't passed within 3 days
- Your child becomes worse
Object Found in Stool
- What You Should Know About An Object Found in the Stool:
- Sometimes, a young child swallows an object when no one is around.
- Finding it in a stool is the first evidence that this has happened.
- Your child should be safe to watch at home.
- Check Your Floors and Carpets More Often:
- Pick up any objects you find on the floor that could be swallowed.
- Try to teach your child to only put food in the mouth.
- Call Your Doctor If:
- You have other questions or concerns
And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.