You can't stop your baby or toddler from putting things in their mouths. Yes indeed, seek medical help immediately if something sharp or magnetic is swallowed, or if an object gets stuck in the airway.
If your child is choking, you should be prepared to do CPR and first aid (we'll get to that soon in another article).
I think my son swallowed a marble or something. That I have to do?
If your child swallowed something that is not sharp or potentially dangerous and it doesn't seem stuck in your throat, it will probably go away on its own. Don't try to make him vomit the object.
While you wait, watch him closely and call your doctor if he has:
- Vomiting
- If you drool
- Abnormal breathing
- Fever
- Chest, throat, mouth, abdomen, or neck pain
You should also call the doctor if you don't see the object in your child's stool in the next few days. (To check, put the poop in a colander and run hot water over it.)
If you think your child swallowed something sharp (like a toothpick or needle) or something dangerous (like a small battery or magnet), you have to run to the emergency doctor or call your doctor right away, even if it seems fine.
It may be necessary to have to remove the object instead of letting it come out on its own. They can puncture a child's esophagus, stomach, or intestines; leach dangerous substances; or even create a small electrical current. (A small magnet will pass, but two or more magnets can cause different parts of the intestines to stick together magnetically, resulting in twisting, blockage, or perforation.)
What if my child is choking on the object?
- If your child is choking and is unconscious or not breathingTell someone to call 112 and do CPR until help arrives. If you are alone with your child, do CPR for two minutes and then call 112.
- If your child is choking but still breathing: Let him cough the object if he can. Otherwise, call 112.
What will the doctor do?
It depends on what your child has swallowed, if it appears to be stuck, and where it is (an X-ray will likely be ordered to see the location of the object).
- If the doctor thinks the object will move safely through your child's system on its own, they may ask you to monitor your child and look at their bowel movements (poops) for the next few days. To track your progress, your doctor may order additional imaging tests, such as a CT scan.
- If the object is in your child's airway or is stuck in the esophagus or stomach, or is sharp or dangerous, the doctor will remove it.
To be able to delete an object you can do with:
Endoscope: This long, thin, lighted tool is used to remove objects in the esophagus or stomach.
Surgery: surgery is sometimes necessary to remove an swallowed object.
Is there a way to prevent your child from putting things in his mouth?
No. It is an instinctive and important way for babies and young children to learn about the world and a constant risk until about 4 years of age. The best plan is to learn prevention and be vigilant.
What safety precautions can you take?
Here are some basic tips:
- Any object less than 27 cm thick or 13 cm long is a choking hazard. You can buy a «Small Object Strangulation Tester»To help assess the safety of an object. If the object fits completely into the cylinder, there is a risk of suffocation.
- Check frequently objects that the little one has around him. Dangerous items include coins (the most common foreign object children swallow), small batteries, buttons, jewelry, pins, paper clips, thumbtacks, screws and nails, crayon pieces, and marbles.
- Do not place magnets in the fridge or use thumb tacks to place papers.
- Look around the changing table and the crib area. Disposable diapers, for example, are a choking hazard.
- Never leave your son Unsupervised with a plastic balloon or allow a balloon to pop into their mouth. Popped balloons are a common choking hazard, and tied string or tape is a choking hazard.
- Keep your purse and diaper bag out of the child's reach and make sure visitors do the same.
- Be careful when visiting someone else's home.
- Make sure your child plays only with age-appropriate toys. For example, many toys are safety rated for children ages 3 and older because they have small parts that can break off and become a choking hazard. If you have an older child, keep their toys (for example, magnetic or snap-in construction toys) away from the baby or toddler.