Children are the most frequent victims of this type of accident. Ingestion of foreign bodies may include virtually any object small enough to pass through the pharynx. Items that are commonly ingested in children include batteries, buttons, coins, drugs, pens and their tops, pencils, safety pins, hairpins- those which are most commonly found in homes. Batteries are among the most common items to be ingested. There are round and flat, shaped like a button. A child is often attracted to the form of the batteries, which typically present themselves in various toys. They include lithium, which is a dangerous chemical that can cause damage to the internal organs such as the stomach or esophagus. The cells release substances that when ingested, can be fatal. Children may also be attracted to drugs, especially in tablets. It is therefore important to keep them in a closed cabinet and out of a child’s reach. Most often, most children who have swallowed a foreign body do not require specialized care. For the large majority, providing comfort care while transporting to an emergency department is all that is required.
What are the symptoms associated with ingestion of foreign bodies?
The most common symptoms that are associated with ingestion of foreign bodies include the following:
- Swallowing
- Coughing
- Excessive salivation
- Difficulty breathing
Other symptoms may also present themselves such as nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, agitation, and allergic reactions. In cases involving sharp objects that pass beyond the esophagus, potential complications may include bowel obstruction, perforation, and erosion into adjacent organs. In such instances, individuals may develop abdominal pain and tenderness, nausea, vomiting, bloody bowel movements and fever. Seeking immediate medical attention is vital in order to determine the most appropriate form of treatment and prevent further complications from occurring.
What to do
In order to manage ingestion of a foreign body, it is necessary to be aware of the type of object, its location and an individual’s overall health condition. If an individual has swallowed an object and breathing becomes difficult, the five and five approach to first aid is recommended. This includes giving 5 back blows, 5 abdominal thrusts and alternating until the blockage is dislodged. If an individual has ingested a battery or drug, it is essential to immediately contact a poison control center or call for help. In such cases, if the foreign body is causing pain or even damage to the bowels or esophagus, surgery may be required.
A few measures that can help prevent problems regarding foreign bodies in the nose include: discouraging children from putting small objects into their mouth or nose, teaching them to avoid body openings, cutting up their food into appropriate sizes, and keeping small objects away from their reach.
What not to do
Instructions on what not to do in cases involving ingestion of foreign bodies include the following:
- Never wait for symptoms to simply pass and consult with a doctor in regards to the situation at hand
- Never induce vomiting
- Never give home remedies, such as milk
- Never store medications, cleaning products or chemicals near food
- Never leave medications, cigarettes, tobacco, batteries and other products within a child’s reach
Disclaimer: the information in this article does not in any way replace the intervention or signs associated with this type of emergency, but rather only provides simple tips as how to keep the situation under control while waiting for a medical rescue team to arrive.
