Accidentally swallowing glass, metal, plastic, or another foreign object is not unusual, especially for children.
In some cases, the object can pass through the body without causing any problems.
This includes swallowed objects that are not food as well as oral medications like pills.
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The object is moved with rhymic muscular contractions calledperistalsis.
Along the route are six muscular valves calledsphinctersthat the foreign object will need to pass through.
If the object is small, soft, or smoothly textured, it may pass without incident.
Most objects will spontaneously pass within a few days to a week.
In some cases, a person may experience immediate symptoms, particularly if it gets stuck in the esophagus.
Did My Toddler Swallow Something?
Causes in Children
Young children explore the world by using their senses, including taste.
Sharp objects, like broken glass or metal, can injure the walls of the esophagus and cause bleeding.
Magnets are also problematic, especially if the magnet is large or more than one was swallowed.
Causes in Adults
Children are not the only ones who can swallow non-food items.
Swallowing accidents can occur anytime you place a smaller object in your mouth.
Examples include a carpenter holding nails between their lips or a dressmaker doing the same with a button.
Certain people are at special risk.
An intentional and potentially deadly cause is a practice called body packing.
This is when illegal drugs are packed in condoms or balloons and either swallowed or inserted into the rectum.
There have been cases when the balloon or condom bursts inside the body, leading to overdose and death.
The decision to treat or not treat is based on several factors.
You will also be advised of the signs ofintestinal perforationto know if and when to seek 911 emergency assistance.
Endoscopy
There are times with the manual extraction of a swallowed foreign object is needed.
This is especially true if an object gets stuck in the esophagus.
Extraction is essential within 24 hours; any delays increase the risk of complications.
Some complications can be life-threatening given the proximity of the esophagus to the heart and lungs.
In such cases, a healthcare provider will perform anupper endoscopy.
Different tools can then be threaded through the neck of the scope to dislodge and remove the object.
Endoscopy is usually performed with conscious sedation, butgeneral anesthesiamay be needed in difficult cases.
The objects posing the greatest risks include sharp objects, broken glass, batteries, and magnets.
Symptoms include chest pain, coughing, gagging, difficulty breathing, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
A swallowed foreign object can usually be located with an X-ray or CT scan.
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