Alexei Volkov
Plastic is one of many items that children can swallow, along with coins, toys, jewellery, and batteries. While most objects swallowed by children pass through the gastrointestinal tract without issue, some items, such as button batteries, magnets, or sharp objects, can cause serious internal damage. If a child swallows plastic, the course of action depends on the size and shape of the plastic, as well as whether the child is showing any signs of distress.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Objects swallowed by children | Coins, toys, jewellery, batteries, plastic items |
| Most common swallowed coins | Pennies (65.9%), nickels, dimes, quarters |
| Symptoms | Coughing, drooling, bloody saliva, gagging, fever, refusing food, vomiting, pain in neck, chest or throat, trouble swallowing, wheezing, breathing issues |
| Action required | If the object is small, blunt, and the child shows no signs of trouble, doctors may suggest giving them water or bread. If the object is large, sharp, or the child is showing symptoms, take them to the emergency room. |
| Prevention | Keep small objects, especially sharp objects and batteries, out of a child's reach. Inspect toys for magnets and small parts. |
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What You'll Learn
Potential symptoms and signs
It is not uncommon for children to swallow plastic objects, as they are naturally curious and often put things in their mouths. In many cases, the swallowed plastic will pass through the child's system without causing any harm. However, there is a risk of internal damage or obstruction, so it is important to be vigilant and watch for potential symptoms and signs.
If a child has swallowed plastic, one of the most common symptoms is acute drooling. This may be accompanied by vomiting, coughing, or chest pain. The child may also gag, refuse food, or experience difficulty swallowing. Other possible symptoms include fever, bloody saliva, and throat or neck pain. In some cases, the child may not show any symptoms at all, but it is still important to remain cautious and monitor their condition.
If the plastic object is small, blunt, and non-sharp, it will usually pass through the child's system without causing any issues. However, larger objects or those with sharp edges may get stuck in the esophagus, the tube between the mouth and the stomach. This can cause symptoms such as trouble swallowing, throat or chest pain, gagging, drooling, or a refusal to eat or drink. If the object is sharp, it may also cause internal damage or puncture the esophagus.
In the case of swallowing multiple magnets, there is a risk of intestinal obstruction. Magnets can attract each other across the bowel wall, causing a dangerous situation that requires immediate medical attention. Similarly, button batteries can cause low-voltage burns within just a few hours of being stuck in the esophagus, leading to a puncture. Even "dead" batteries can be harmful if swallowed, as they may contain harmful chemicals.
If you suspect your child has swallowed plastic, it is important to remain calm but vigilant. Check the child's mouth to see if the object can be easily removed. If the child is choking and cannot breathe, perform the Heimlich maneuver and call emergency services immediately. If the child is older than one year, you can give them honey to help prevent injury while you seek medical attention. Keep an eye on their stool, as the plastic may pass through their system and appear in their stool within a few days. If the child exhibits any symptoms or you have concerns, take them to the emergency room for an examination.
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Emergency room treatment
If a child swallows plastic, it is important to remain calm and assess the situation. While plastic is not mentioned as a particularly dangerous substance for children to swallow, there are still some important steps to follow to ensure their safety.
Firstly, check if the child is displaying any symptoms of distress or discomfort. These may include coughing, drooling, bloody saliva, gagging, fever, refusing food, vomiting, or pain in the neck, chest, or throat. If the child is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it is recommended to seek emergency medical attention without delay.
Upon arrival at the emergency room, the medical team will conduct a thorough examination of the child. They will ask questions about what the child swallowed, when it happened, and any symptoms observed. It is important to provide as much information as possible to assist in the diagnosis and treatment.
The emergency room physician may recommend an X-ray or ultrasound to determine the location of the swallowed plastic and assess any potential internal damage. These imaging techniques are crucial for evaluating the severity of the situation.
If the plastic object is small, blunt, and has passed through the child's throat without obstruction, the doctor may suggest a conservative approach. This involves monitoring the child's stool to ensure the plastic is excreted without causing further issues. In some cases, the doctor may recommend giving the child a drink of water or a piece of bread to aid in passing the plastic.
However, if the plastic object is large, sharp, or blocking the child's airway, emergency room treatment will be more urgent and invasive. The medical team's primary focus will be on removing the obstruction and ensuring the child can breathe normally. This may involve performing an endoscopic procedure, where tools are inserted through the child's mouth to retrieve the plastic object. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the object and prevent further complications.
It is important to emphasize that the above guidelines are general, and each case of a child swallowing plastic should be assessed individually. The specific treatment provided in the emergency room will depend on various factors, including the size and shape of the plastic object, the age of the child, and the presence of any symptoms.
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Endoscopic procedure
If a child swallows plastic, the outcome depends on the size, shape, and type of plastic swallowed. Most objects swallowed by children can pass through the gastrointestinal tract without causing harm. However, sharp or large objects can lodge in the trachea and block breathing, causing serious complications. Small, blunt objects may pass through without issue, but they can sometimes get stuck and cause problems.
If a child has swallowed plastic, it is important to monitor them for symptoms such as coughing, drooling, bloody saliva, gagging, fever, refusing food, vomiting, or pain in the neck, chest, or throat. If any of these symptoms are present, seek immediate medical attention.
If the plastic is stuck in the tube between the mouth and throat (esophagus), doctors may recommend an endoscopic procedure to remove it. Endoscopy involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera (endoscope) through the nose or mouth to visualize and remove the object. This procedure is typically performed by a speech-language pathologist, a physician, or a collaboration of the two. It can be done in an outpatient clinic or at the bedside, and it usually lasts 10 to 15 minutes.
Before the procedure, the child may be given medication to help them relax and ensure comfort. The endoscope is then carefully inserted, allowing the medical team to view the upper aerodigestive tract on a screen. This procedure helps determine the safest way for the child to consume food and liquid and guides the treatment plan.
In some cases, if the plastic is sharp, stuck, or potentially damaging to the intestines, an operation may be recommended to remove it.
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Passing plastic naturally
If your child has swallowed a small, blunt, non-sharp piece of plastic, it will most likely pass through their digestive system without causing any issues. In most cases, swallowed objects travel safely through the intestines and are passed naturally in a stool within a few days.
If your child is not choking and the piece of plastic is small, round, and non-sharp, you can let it pass through naturally. However, it is important to monitor your child for any signs of discomfort or distress. Symptoms such as coughing, drooling, gagging, vomiting, fever, refusing food, or pain in the neck, chest, or throat indicate that something may be stuck and require medical attention.
If the piece of plastic is larger or irregularly shaped, it is recommended to check your child's stools for the object. This can be done by collecting the stools in a diaper or having your child poop on a piece of paper and slicing the stool with a knife. If the plastic is not passed within a few days or if your child develops symptoms, seek medical advice.
While most small objects will pass through without issue, some items, such as button batteries, magnets, or sharp objects, can cause serious internal damage. If your child has swallowed one of these items, seek immediate medical attention.
It is important to keep small objects, especially those that are sharp or battery-operated, out of your child's reach to prevent accidental ingestion.
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Prevention methods
While swallowing small objects is common among children, it can sometimes lead to serious complications. Coins, toy parts, game parts, small buttons, and other small objects are commonly swallowed by children.
- Keep small objects out of reach: This includes keeping coins, buttons, toys with small parts, and other small objects out of children's reach. Be especially cautious with objects that have sharp edges or points, as they can cause internal damage or blockage.
- Supervise children during play: Be vigilant when children are playing, especially with toys that have small parts or magnets. Supervise older children as well, as they may have toys with small parts that could be dangerous for younger siblings.
- Educate children: Teach children about the dangers of putting objects in their mouths. Explain that only food should be eaten and that swallowing non-food items can be harmful. Continue to have these conversations as they grow older, especially about the dangers of ingesting toxic substances or participating in harmful internet challenges.
- Be cautious with batteries: Button batteries are extremely dangerous if swallowed, so keep them out of reach and properly secure battery compartments in toys and other devices.
- Check toys for magnets: Some toys contain small magnets that can be swallowed. Check toys for magnets and ensure they are secure before giving them to children.
- Keep loose change out of reach: Coins, especially quarters, can be a choking hazard and may require surgery if swallowed.
- Be mindful of decorations and greeting cards: During holidays or special occasions, be mindful of decorations and greeting cards that may contain small parts or button batteries.
- Perform regular household cleaning: Regular cleaning can help reduce the risk of small objects being left on the floor or within a child's reach.
- Reduce plastic exposure: Plastic can contain harmful chemicals, such as phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA), which can interfere with hormone functionality. To reduce potential health risks, limit the use of plastic products and opt for biodegradable or eco-friendly alternatives.
- Be cautious with food packaging: Plastic can contaminate food, so be mindful of how food is packaged and stored. Opt for fresh, unpackaged foods when possible, and reduce the use of plastic containers for storing food.
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Frequently asked questions
If your child swallows plastic, take them to the emergency room for an exam. If they are choking and can't breathe, perform the Heimlich maneuver. If that does not work, call emergency services. If your child is older than 1 year, you can give them 2 teaspoons of honey every 10 minutes until you get to the hospital to try to prevent injury.
Most objects swallowed by children can pass through the gastrointestinal tract without any issue. However, some items can get stuck and cause serious problems. Objects that are 1 inch or larger can lodge in their trachea and block breathing.
Your child may show no symptoms at all after swallowing plastic. However, signs that something is wrong can include coughing, drooling, bloody saliva, gagging, fever, refusing food, and vomiting. Pain in their neck, chest, or throat can be another sign.
