Skip to main content

Gastrointestinal Foreign Bodies in Children

Foreign body ingestion occurs when a child swallows an object that is not meant to be consumed.

Swallowing objects is a common issue among young children, especially those under 5 years old.

This is largely because young kids are naturally curious, often putting things in their mouths as part of exploring their surroundings. Most of the time, swallowing an object is just a minor issue, but it can sometimes lead to serious problems or even require hospital care.

Babies under 6 months old typically can’t pick up and swallow objects on their own, but older siblings can sometimes unintentionally help them do so. It’s important for parents to keep a close watch and ensure small objects are out of reach to prevent such incidents.

Download PDF

Symptoms

  • Trouble swallowing
  • Refusing food or losing weight
  • Drooling or gagging
  • Vomiting, sometimes with blood
  • Feeling like something is stuck in the throat or chest
  • Chest pain or sore throat
  • Noisy breathing, coughing
  • Fever without a clear reason
  • Seeming confused or unusually tired

Causes

  • Coins
  • Buttons
  • pen or bottle caps
  • rubber or plastic materials
  • marbles
  • seeds
  • button batteries

Diagnosis

  • Laboratory Tests
  • Imaging Tests
  • X-rays (Chest/Abdomen)
  • Radiolucent Objects
  • Endoscopy
  • CT and MRI Scans

Treatment Options

  • Comfort First Most children who swallow a foreign object don’t need any specialized care immediately. Keeping the child comfortable while you get them to an emergency room is usually all that’s needed.
  • Drooling Concerns If the child is drooling a lot, they might need help clearing their mouth to keep them comfortable.
  • Stay Close It’s best to let the child stay with you/the caregiver and allow them to find a position that feels most comfortable for them.
  • Don’t Overreact While it’s possible that the child could vomit and inhale the object, this is very rare.

Why Choose Us

Expert team

Our pediatric specialists have extensive experience in treating children.

Personalized care

We create treatment plans that fit each child’s unique needs

Support and education

We teach children and families how to care for them and prevent future cases

Advanced treatments

Access to the latest treatments and products

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What should I do if I suspect my child has swallowed a foreign object?

A: Immediately refrain from trying to make the child vomit. If the child is experiencing severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, take them to the nearest emergency room or call emergency services.

Q: How long does it take for an ingested object to pass?

A: Most small, smooth objects pass through the digestive system within 24 to 48 hours. However, objects lodged in the esophagus need to be removed promptly.

Q: Are there any long-term effects of foreign body ingestion?

A: Most cases resolve without long-term effects if treated promptly and appropriately. However, batteries and sharp objects can cause significant harm and require immediate medical attention.

Contact

Please feel free to contact us with any general or medical enquiry by calling us.

+254-709-529-000

+254-733-645-000

Primary Clinic Days

Monday - Saturday
8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sundays & Public Holidays
9:00 am - 7:00 pm

Specialist Clinic Days

Monday - Saturday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Book Appointment