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What Are The Dangers Of Accidental Eating Of A Hard Plastic Spoon?

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Posted on Mon, 15 Sep 2014
Question: My son just ingested part of a hard plastic spoon? Is he in danger?
Small piece- just the corner. Was eating breakfast.
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Answered by Dr. Divakara (12 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Consult if piece has sharp edges

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting your query.

Most foreign body objects swallowed would be passed out in stools in a day or two.

But there are 2 issues here. If the piece had sharp edges it could possibly cause injury to the food pipe, stomach or intestine which may cause internal bleeding.

If the plastic is very thin and soft it may get digested by the acid in stomach and get absorbed into blood .

Either way you would know if there is any bleeding by noting blood in the babies stool. If you don't see any blood, then things should be OK.

So I advise you consult your doctor immediately and get treated if you notice any bleeding or the child complains of abdominal pain.

Any doubts or clarifications feel free to ask. Happy to help.
Regards.
Note: For further follow-up it is advisable to consult an emergency medicine specialist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
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Dr. Divakara

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 2358 Questions

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What Are The Dangers Of Accidental Eating Of A Hard Plastic Spoon?

Brief Answer: Consult if piece has sharp edges Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for posting your query. Most foreign body objects swallowed would be passed out in stools in a day or two. But there are 2 issues here. If the piece had sharp edges it could possibly cause injury to the food pipe, stomach or intestine which may cause internal bleeding. If the plastic is very thin and soft it may get digested by the acid in stomach and get absorbed into blood . Either way you would know if there is any bleeding by noting blood in the babies stool. If you don't see any blood, then things should be OK. So I advise you consult your doctor immediately and get treated if you notice any bleeding or the child complains of abdominal pain. Any doubts or clarifications feel free to ask. Happy to help. Regards.