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What Are The Repercussions Of Accidental Ingestion Of Plastic By A Toddler?
Question: My 18 month old daughter may or may have not swallowed a piece of plastic fork tine do I need to take her to the ER I know you can't x-ray for plastic
Brief Answer:
Observation is needed
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for asking on this platform
The ingested foreign body may be in the wind pipe or in food pipe.When foreign body goes to wind pipe that causes breathing difficulty,cough or choking.This is an emergency condition.
In your case there is no breathing problem so if there is any foreign body that is inside food pipe.
I wont get overly worried if the child is asymptomatic.Foreign body in food pipe moves forward with intestinal movement and comes out in stool within 2-3 days.
Rarely foreign body may get impacted into the intestine and can cause pain abdomen,vomiting and abdominal distension.You are right as the suspected foreign body is plastic in nature it can not be detected in Xray.
I would suggest you to observe the baby for any clinical deterioration If any and also watch the stool if foreign body passes onto it.
I hope this helps.
Please let me know if you have any more query.
Regards
Observation is needed
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for asking on this platform
The ingested foreign body may be in the wind pipe or in food pipe.When foreign body goes to wind pipe that causes breathing difficulty,cough or choking.This is an emergency condition.
In your case there is no breathing problem so if there is any foreign body that is inside food pipe.
I wont get overly worried if the child is asymptomatic.Foreign body in food pipe moves forward with intestinal movement and comes out in stool within 2-3 days.
Rarely foreign body may get impacted into the intestine and can cause pain abdomen,vomiting and abdominal distension.You are right as the suspected foreign body is plastic in nature it can not be detected in Xray.
I would suggest you to observe the baby for any clinical deterioration If any and also watch the stool if foreign body passes onto it.
I hope this helps.
Please let me know if you have any more query.
Regards
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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