Alexei Volkov
It can be a scary moment for any parent to realise that their toddler has swallowed something small, such as plastic. While it is common for children to swallow foreign objects, it is important to know the signs that your child may be in danger and when to seek medical attention. In some cases, you may only know something is wrong when your child begins to show symptoms, such as vomiting, gagging, drooling, coughing, or refusing food. If you think your child has swallowed something sharp, toxic, or battery-operated, you should take them to the doctor right away.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most common objects swallowed | Coins, marbles, button batteries, magnets, toy parts, game parts, small buttons, rings, paper clips, teeth, pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, shards of plastic, glass, small blunt objects |
| Symptoms | Drooling, vomiting, coughing, chest pain, fever, refusing food, gagging, wheezing, trouble breathing, loss of consciousness, foaming at the mouth, bloody saliva |
| Action to take | If the object is small and the child is not showing any signs of trouble, give them a drink of water. If that goes down easily, try a piece of bread. If the child is choking, perform first aid: place your phone on speaker and call 911, assess whether the child is coughing, give five back pats followed by five Heimlich abdominal thrusts, repeat until help arrives or the object is dislodged. If the child has swallowed a toxic substance, seek immediate emergency care. If the child has swallowed a battery, seek immediate medical attention. |
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What You'll Learn
What to do if a toddler swallowed plastic:
If a toddler has swallowed a piece of plastic, it is important to remain calm and take immediate action to ensure the child's safety. Here is a step-by-step guide on what to do in this scary situation:
First, try to determine what type and how much plastic the toddler swallowed. Different types of plastic vary in shape, size, and toxicity, all of which can affect the severity of the situation. If possible, find the piece of plastic that the child was playing with or had access to and assess its size and shape. This will help medical professionals understand the potential risks and treatment options.
Secondly, call your local poison control center or emergency medical services immediately. Describe the situation and provide as many details as possible, including the type of plastic, the amount swallowed (if known), and any symptoms the child is displaying. They will provide you with further instructions and dispatch medical help if necessary. Follow their guidance carefully.
While you wait for medical assistance to arrive, keep a close eye on the toddler's breathing, circulation, and level of consciousness. If they are conscious, offer small sips of water to help move the plastic further down the digestive tract. Do not try to induce vomiting or stick your fingers down the child's throat, as this can cause further complications.
In the case that the toddler is displaying any severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, seizures, or excessive vomiting, call for emergency services immediately. These symptoms could indicate a life-threatening obstruction or toxic reaction, and the child will need urgent medical attention.
It is important to remember to keep plastic items, especially small toys and objects with detachable parts, away from toddlers to prevent choking and ingestion hazards. Ensure that older siblings or children in the household understand the importance of keeping their small toys out of reach of curious younger siblings.
Lastly, always seek medical advice if you are concerned about a toddler's health, even if you think the plastic they swallowed was insignificant. It is always better to be cautious when it comes to your child's well-being. Medical professionals are there to help and provide peace of mind.
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Signs and symptoms:
If a toddler has swallowed plastic, there may be no symptoms at all. However, there are some signs that something is wrong, and parents should seek emergency medical care if they notice any of these symptoms:
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Gagging
- Coughing
- Bloody saliva
- Fever
- Refusing food
- Wheezing or making strange sounds when breathing
- Not wanting to drink anything
- Neck, chest, or throat pain
- Trouble swallowing
If the plastic is small and blunt, and the child is showing no signs of distress, doctors may suggest giving them a drink of water. If the child can drink the water with no issues, they may then be given a piece of bread. The enzymes in saliva will help dissolve the bread if it sticks.
If the plastic is larger or not smooth, it is recommended to check the stools to see if the object has passed through. This can be done by having the child wear a diaper or pooping on a piece of paper and slicing the stool with a knife.
If the plastic is stuck in the esophagus, the doctor may try to remove it with tools inserted through the mouth (endoscopically). If the plastic has moved past the esophagus and into the stomach, the doctor will probably try to take it out through the mouth.
It is important to note that button batteries and magnets can cause serious internal damage and require urgent medical attention.
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Choking hazards:
Toddlers explore the world through their mouths, and plastic items are a common choking hazard for this age group. Small objects, including broken pieces of toys, balloons, buttons, coins, and jewelry, can easily be swallowed and lodge in the throat or windpipe, causing obstruction and preventing air from reaching the lungs. This can lead to serious complications, including brain damage or death, within a very short time—sometimes in just four to six minutes.
Plastic items pose a particular risk as they often have sharp edges or can break into smaller pieces, increasing the likelihood of choking. Additionally, some plastics can release toxic chemicals when ingested, causing further harm to the child.
If you suspect your toddler has swallowed a piece of plastic or is choking, stay calm and act quickly. First, assess if the child is coughing or gagging. Encouraging them to continue coughing may help dislodge the object. If they are not coughing or seem distressed, immediately perform back blows between their shoulder blades with the heel of your hand. Check their mouth for any visible obstructions, and if you can see the object, try to remove it with your fingers, being careful not to push it further down their throat.
Call for emergency medical help if the child's breathing seems abnormal, if they are turning blue, or if they become unconscious. Continue providing first aid while waiting for assistance. It is important to keep a close eye on your toddler during mealtimes and play, especially when they are handling small objects or toys with plastic parts. Ensure that age-appropriate toys are provided and that any potential hazards are kept out of reach.
Additionally, it is beneficial to be aware of certain warning signs that may indicate your toddler has swallowed something harmful, even if they are not currently choking. These signs can include abdominal pain, refusal to eat or drink, persistent coughing or gagging, drooling, and vomiting. If you notice any of these symptoms, particularly after they have had access to small plastic items, seek medical advice promptly.
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X-rays and ultrasounds:
X-rays and ultrasounds are crucial tools in assessing and managing cases of toddlers swallowing foreign objects, including plastic items. Here is what you need to know:
X-ray Imaging:
X-rays are the primary imaging modality used to visualise foreign objects in the body. They are safe for children and provide valuable information to healthcare professionals. X-rays can help determine the location of the swallowed plastic, such as whether it is stuck in the oesophagus (the tube between the mouth and stomach) or has reached the stomach or intestines. This information is vital for deciding on the appropriate treatment approach.
When to Perform X-rays:
X-rays are typically recommended when a child exhibits symptoms of a blocked oesophagus or gastrointestinal tract. These symptoms include vomiting, gagging, drooling, refusing food, coughing, wheezing, and neck, chest, or throat pain. X-rays are also indicated when a toddler is suspected of swallowing specific items, such as button batteries or magnets, which can cause urgent and serious complications.
Ultrasound Imaging:
Ultrasounds are another imaging option that uses sound waves to create images of internal body structures. Ultrasounds are useful for detecting foreign objects in the body and assessing potential damage caused by them. They are particularly helpful in certain situations and offer advantages such as being radiation-free.
When to Use Ultrasounds:
Ultrasounds may be preferred over X-rays in specific circumstances. For example, if there is a concern about the presence of plastic in the toddler's stomach or intestines, an ultrasound can provide a detailed view of these areas without exposing the child to ionising radiation. Additionally, ultrasounds are useful when there is a suspicion of intestinal obstruction or perforation caused by the swallowed plastic, as they can detect free air in the abdomen, which is indicative of a perforation.
Combining Imaging Techniques:
In some cases, combining X-rays and ultrasounds may be beneficial. For instance, if the initial X-ray does not clearly show the location of the plastic or if there are concerns about potential complications, an ultrasound can provide complementary information to ensure a comprehensive evaluation.
Limitations and Considerations:
It is important to recognise that imaging techniques have limitations. Smaller plastic items may not always be visible on X-rays or ultrasounds, especially if they have passed through the gastrointestinal tract rapidly. Additionally, the decision to perform imaging must consider the child's overall condition and the presence of any acute or serious symptoms. In cases where there are concerns about choking or respiratory distress, immediate emergency care takes precedence over imaging.
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Prevention and education:
Toddlers are naturally curious and often explore the world around them by putting things in their mouths. To prevent plastic ingestion, it is essential to keep small objects out of their reach and ensure older children keep their small toys away from younger siblings. Childproofing your home is crucial, especially when it comes to dangerous items like magnets, batteries, and sharp objects.
Educating toddlers about plastic and its impact on the environment can also be an effective preventive measure. Teaching them about recycling and the importance of reducing plastic waste can foster a sense of responsibility and awareness. For instance, you could ask your child to sort items in the kitchen cupboard by material type and show them how to identify recyclable items by reading the packaging.
Another creative way to teach about plastic pollution is by making musical instruments or small rafts out of plastic rubbish. This approach, popularized by Shady Rabab's Garbage Conservatoire, helps children understand that plastic is not waste until it is wasted. Fashion shows with accessories made from plastic waste are another fun way to engage children in learning about the issue.
In addition to these activities, it is beneficial to teach toddlers about the dangers of swallowing foreign objects. While this may not completely prevent swallowing incidents, it can help them understand the potential consequences of their actions and encourage them to be more cautious.
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Frequently asked questions
If the plastic is small and blunt, it will likely pass through your toddler's system without incident. However, if the plastic is sharp or large, take them to the emergency room right away. If your child is choking, call 911 immediately and perform first aid.
You might not always know if your toddler has swallowed something, but some signs that they may have swallowed a foreign object include coughing, drooling, gagging, vomiting, refusing food, or chest pain.
Some objects that can cause significant trouble include button batteries, magnets, sharp objects, coins larger than 21mm in diameter, and toxic substances.
If you think your toddler has swallowed a dangerous item, take them to the emergency room immediately. If you can, bring the item or its container with you so that doctors can identify it and treat your child faster.
