Swallowed Objects

Emergencies

Yes	Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

• Unconsciousness develops or you fear the person is nearing unconsciousness.
• Signs of choking are present. The person cannot cry, talk, or breathe; is turning blue or dusky; or is grasping his or her throat. Have someone call 911 while you try a choking rescue procedure (Heimlich maneuver in adults and children older than 1 year or back blows in babies younger than 1 year).
• Moderate to severe difficulty breathing occurs:
  • In a child.
  • In an adult or older child.
• Signs of shock are present:
  • In a child.
  • In an adult or older child.

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Note:

If you have swallowed something you know or think is poisonous: Go to the topic Poisoning.

Yes	Have you swallowed a button disc battery or magnet?
Yes	Are you wheezing, coughing, or having troubled or noisy breathing after swallowing or inhaling an object?
Yes	Do you have pain in your throat, chest, or belly after swallowing or inhaling an object?
Yes	Have you swallowed a sharp, long, or large object?
Yes	Do you think you have an object stuck in your throat?
Yes	Have you had any changes in your bowel movements after swallowing an object?
Yes	Has a swallowed object not passed in your stool within 7 days?
Yes	Were back blows or the Heimlich maneuver used to dislodge the food or object?

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: October 5, 2007
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.