Foreign body ingestion and aspiration in children: questions and answers for parents

If your child has swallowed or inhaled a foreign object, you may be worried and confused about what to do. Here are some common questions and answers to help you understand this situation and how to handle it.

What is foreign body ingestion and aspiration?

Foreign body ingestion means that your child has swallowed something that is not food or medicine, such as a coin, a toy, a battery, a magnet, or a bone. Foreign body aspiration means that your child has breathed in something that is not air, such as a peanut, a seed, a bead, or a button.

Why are children at risk of foreign body ingestion and aspiration?

Children are naturally curious and like to explore their surroundings with their mouth. They may also put things in their mouth when they are bored, teething, or hungry. Children have smaller airways and weaker cough reflexes than adults, which makes it easier for them to choke on something or inhale it into their lungs.

What are the signs and symptoms of foreign body ingestion and aspiration?

The signs and symptoms of foreign body ingestion and aspiration depend on the type, size, shape, and location of the object. Some common signs and symptoms are:

- Choking, gagging, coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing

- Drooling, vomiting, or spitting up blood

- Refusing to eat or drink, or having trouble swallowing

- Chest pain, abdominal pain, or neck pain

- Fever, infection, or pneumonia

- Change in voice or behavior

Some foreign objects may not cause any symptoms at all, or may cause symptoms only after some time has passed. For example, button batteries can leak acid and cause serious damage to the food pipe or windpipe if they are not removed quickly.

What should I do if I suspect my child has ingested or aspirated a foreign object?

If your child is choking or having trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Perform the Heimlich maneuver or back blows and chest thrusts if you know how to do them. Do not try to remove the object with your fingers or any tools, as this may push it further into the airway or cause more damage.

If your child is not choking or having trouble breathing, but you suspect they have swallowed or inhaled something, call your child's doctor right away. They may ask you some questions about the object, such as what it is, when it happened, and what symptoms your child has. They may also advise you to take your child to the nearest hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

How are foreign objects diagnosed and removed?

The doctor will examine your child and ask you more questions about the incident. They may also order some tests to confirm the presence and location of the foreign object. These tests may include:

- X-rays of the chest, abdomen, or neck

- Metal detector scan

- Endoscopy (a procedure that uses a thin flexible tube with a camera and a light to look inside the food pipe or windpipe)

- Bronchoscopy (a procedure that uses a thin flexible tube with a camera and a light to look inside the lungs)

Depending on the type and location of the foreign object, the doctor may use one of these procedures to remove it safely. Sometimes, surgery may be needed to remove an object that is stuck in the stomach or intestines.

What are the possible complications of foreign body ingestion and aspiration?

Most foreign objects pass through the digestive system without causing any problems. However, some objects can cause serious complications if they are not removed promptly. These complications may include:

- Obstruction of the food pipe or windpipe

- Perforation (tearing) of the food pipe or windpipe

- Infection or inflammation of the food pipe, windpipe, lungs, or other organs

- Bleeding or ulcers in the food pipe or windpipe

- Damage to the vocal cords or nerves

- Aorto-esophageal fistula (a rare but life-threatening condition where a hole forms between the food pipe and the main blood vessel of the body)

How can I prevent foreign body ingestion and aspiration in my child?

The best way to prevent foreign body ingestion and aspiration in your child is to supervise them closely when they are eating or playing. Here are some tips to reduce the risk of choking:

- Cut food into small pieces and avoid giving hard, round, sticky, or slippery foods such as nuts, seeds, popcorn, candy, grapes, hot dogs, marshmallows, gum, or peanut butter

- Encourage your child to chew well and sit upright when eating

- Do not let your child eat while walking, running, lying down, laughing, or crying

- Do not let your child play with toys that have small parts that can break off or fit into their mouth

- Keep coins, batteries, magnets, jewelry, pins, and other small objects out of your child's reach

- Teach your child not to put anything in their mouth that is not food or medicine

- Learn how to perform the Heimlich maneuver or back blows and chest thrusts in case of an emergency

Where can I find more information and support?

If you have any questions or concerns about foreign body ingestion and aspiration in your child, talk to your child's doctor. They can provide you with more information and guidance on how to handle this situation.