What is swallowed object?

Swallowing a button disc battery, a magnet, or an object with lead in it can cause serious health problems. If this happens to you or your child, get medical care right away.

• Button disc batteries. These contain corrosive fluids, and some contain life-threatening amounts of mercury. Medical treatment is usually needed within 1 hour after someone swallows a battery. If you think someone has swallowed one, do not cause vomiting. Go to a hospital emergency room.
• Magnets. These can cause a blockage or a hole to form in the bowel. If more than one is swallowed, they could stick together across loops of intestines. This can cause serious problems. If you think someone has swallowed one or more magnets, do not cause vomiting. Get medical care right away.
• Objects with lead. Lead poisoning can cause behavior changes, lack of energy, and headaches. If you think someone has swallowed an object with lead in it, do not cause vomiting. Get medical care right away.

• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
  • Store your child's prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.
• If the doctor prescribed antibiotics for your child, give them as directed. Do not stop using them just because your child feels better. Your child needs to take the full course of antibiotics.
• Give your child liquids to drink. If swallowing liquids is easy for your child, then try soft foods like bread or bananas. If these foods are easy to swallow, start to add other foods.
• If your child swallowed an object and it has passed through to the stomach, try giving your child foods that are high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods may help your child pass the object more quickly.
• Watch your child's stools to see if the object has passed. Do not give your child a laxative unless your doctor says that it is okay.
• Keep your child away from smoke. Do not smoke or let anyone else smoke around your child or in your house. Being around smoke can irritate your child's throat and esophagus even more.

To prevent swallowing objects or choking:

• Cut food into small pieces.
• Do not give popcorn, nuts, or hard candy to children younger than 4, and supervise older children when they eat these foods.
• Encourage your child to eat slowly, take small bites, and chew food all the way.
• Discourage laughing or talking with the mouth full.
• Warn your child not to eat or drink while doing something else, such as running or playing.
• Do not let your child hold objects, such as pins, nails, or toothpicks, in the mouth or between the lips.
• Do not give younger children small objects that may cause choking, such as disc batteries, coins, or marbles.
• Look for age guidelines when selecting toys for children:
  • Do not let your child play with a toy if your child is younger than the recommended age for the toy.
  • The safest toys for small children are at least 1.25 inches around or 2.25 inches in length.