Swallowed Objects
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Have you swallowed a sharp, long, or large object?
See significance of swallowing a sharp, long, or large object if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Note: Do not eat or drink anything until you have talked with your doctor.
Yes Have you swallowed a sharp object, such as an open safety pin, a straight pin, bone, toothpick, needle, razor blade, or broken thermometer?
Yes Have you swallowed a long object? A long object is:
- 2 in. (5 cm) or longer for adults and older children.
- 1.25 in. (3 cm) or longer for babies and small children.
You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Yes Have you swallowed a large object that has not passed in your stool within 7 days? A large object is:
- 1 in. (2.5 cm) in diameter or larger in adults or older children.
- 0.75 in. (2 cm) in diameter or larger in babies and small children.
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
| 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 | |
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