Swallowed Object

Swallowed Object Overview

Button batteries, pins, fishbones, balloons-all these items and more are swallowed by adults and children by accident or on purpose.

Parents of infants and toddlers are most likely to seek medical attention for a child. Children in this age group are curious and often eat inedible materials such as dirt and coins and also have trouble swallowing some common foods.

Older children and adults may swallow objects to seek attention or may have trouble with the anatomy of their esophagus leading to a blockage after eating a normal meal.

• A swallowed object that blocks the airway is a true medical emergency. If the person is not breathing, you must call 911 for this medical emergency immediately.

• Most swallowed objects pass through the body and out in a bowel movement without any medical intervention.

Swallowed Object Causes

• Infants and toddlers' curious and oral nature draws them to put objects into the mouth. Also, children in this age group are unable to adequately chew common foods such as peanuts and hot dogs.

• Older children and adults may eat inedible items to seek attention or as a result of a psychiatric condition.

• A medical condition may cause the esophagus to narrow. This narrowing causes food items to get stuck.

Swallowed Object Symptoms

• Most swallowed objects cause no symptoms at all.

• Some objects cause immediate choking and vomiting.

• Depending on the texture of the item, such as a toy, there may be some local pain or bleeding in the back of the throat.

• If something gets stuck, several symptoms may occur:
  
  
  • Drooling
    
    
  • Vomiting
    
    
  • Painful swallowing
    
    
  • Pain in chest or throat
    
    
  • Gagging

• Unrecognized items ingested and stuck may lead to these symptoms:
  
  
  • Refusal to feed in infants
    
    
  • Weight loss and malnutrition
    
    
  • Vomiting blood
    
    
  • Blood in stool
    
    
  • Severe chest infection

When to Seek Medical Care

When any nonfood item is swallowed, call your doctor. A description of the item should be given.

• If no symptoms are present and your doctor is comfortable, a routine visit to the office suffices.

• If you have any symptoms or the object swallowed is concerning to your physician, your doctor will probably refer you to the emergency department.

If any symptoms continue and won't go away after swallowing an object or large piece of food, a trip to the local emergency department is prudent. If you have a similar object to the one swallowed, bring it along to help the doctor determine what to look for.

Exams and Tests

The doctor will take a complete history and will specifically want to know what was swallowed, when it was swallowed, and any symptoms you have. A physical examination will focus on the mouth, throat, and lungs. Next, your doctor may perform one or more of the following tests:

• X-rays of the neck, chest, and abdomen may be performed to help locate any objects that will show up in this format, such as coins, metal toys, and bones.

• Enhanced x-rays with barium may be used to help locate stuck objects not seen on regular x-rays.

• The doctor may make a direct inspection of the area above the voice box with a special fiber optic light or indirect inspection with a dental mirror. These procedures require a cooperative patient.

• Direct visualization with a fiber optic scope (endoscopy) may be needed to see objects in the esophagus. This is usually done in a short procedure unit or in the operating room.