Marsha Kay, MD, Pediatric Gastroenterologist, Children’s Hospital Cleveland Clinic, Director, Endoscopy Unit, discusses management of children who have swallowed foreign objects, starting with an X-ray.

Summary:
About 90% of swallowed foreign bodies in children are detectable by x-ray and most commonly kids in the US swallow coins. The location of the object is important as it will determine management.

Summary:
Swallowed coins that remain undiagnosed in children cause catastrophic consequences, including esophageal erosion in to the trachea or aorta, and should be removed wihti8n 24 hours. Batteries, when swallowed, can lodge in the esophagus and cause perforation in only 6 hours so are a medical emergency.

References and Resources
Michaud L, Bellaïche M, Olives JP; Groupe francophone d’hépatologie, gastroentérologie et nutrition pédiatriques (GFHGNP). [Ingestion of foreign bodies in children. Recommendations of the French-Speaking Group of Pediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Nutrition.] Arch Pediatr. 2009 Jan;16(1):54-61. Epub 2008 Dec 6.
Hon KL, Leung TF, Hung CW, Cheung KL, Leung AK. Ingestion–associated adverse events necessitating pediatric ICU admissions. Indian J Pediatr. 2009 Mar;76(3):283-6. Epub 2009 Apr 6.

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Magnet ingestion – number one household safety hazard
Consequences of kids swallowing coins and batteries

This physician has nothing to disclose.