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Swallowed Foreign Bodies.

You/your child have been treated for a swallowed object i. After a thorough examination you/your child are now considered fit to be discharged. The following instructions will aid recovery.

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The accidental ingestion of FBs is common and is most commonly a problem in young children aged
6 months–5 years, but can affect children of all ages (those younger than 6 months can occasionally ingest materials with the aid of older siblings during play). It occurs much less frequently in older children and adults but does affect these groups rarely.

Virtually any object small enough to pass through the pharynx may be swallowed. Items commonly ingested by children include coins, small toys, pencils, pens and their tops, batteries, safety pins, needles and hairpins.

Older children and adults more often ingest food-related items such as fish and chicken bones. These can often scratch or cause an abrasion to the throat and give rise to the sensation of a FB.

An X-ray of your neck, chest or abdomen may be required but is not always necessary and may depend on whether the FB is visible on an X-ray.

Any further investigations or referral to other specialities, eg, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) or Surgery will be dependent on the object that has been ingested and if it is likely to be lodged and entrapped. However, the majority of ingested FBs will pass safely through the gut and be passed with faeces.

Do

Continue with normal diet unless advised otherwise
Contact the Emergency Department immediately if pain or vomiting develops

Do not

Take laxatives
Look for the FB in the stool as passage of objects in stool may take days to weeks

Prevention

It is difficult to prevent children from examining things with their mouths, but basic home-safety measures such as cupboard catches, and vigilance about leaving objects within children’s reach can help to prevent some accidents.

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If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to telephone us on:

01772 523018

A senior nurse or doctor will be able to advise you.

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