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Foreign object - inhaled or swallowed

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Obstructed airway; Blocked airway

First Aid:

FOR INHALED OBJECT

Any child who may have inhaled an object should be seen by a doctor. Children with obvious breathing distress may require emergency measures for total airway blockage .

If choking or coughing subsides, and the child does not have any other symptoms, he or she may be monitored for signs and symptoms of respiratory infection or irritation. X-rays may be needed.

Bronchoscopy may be necessary for definitive diagnosis as well as removal of the object. Antibiotics may be used and respiratory therapy techniques if infection develops.

FOR SWALLOWED OBJECT

Any child who is believed to have swallowed a foreign object should be observed for pain, fever, vomiting, or local tenderness. Stools (bowel movements) should be examined to detect the passage of the foreign object.

Even sharp objects (such as pins and screws) usually pass through the GI tract without complications. X-rays are occasionally needed, especially if the child has pain or the object does not pass within 4 to 5 days.

Do Not:

DO NOT "force feed" infants that are crying or breathing rapidly.

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if:

If a child is believed to have either inhaled or swallowed an object, call your health care provider.

• Review Date: 7/18/2007
• Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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