Swallowed Objects
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Have you had any changes in your bowel movements after swallowing an object?
See significance of changes in bowel movements 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.
Yes Have you had a bowel movement that is mostly blood?
Yes Have you had 2 or more bowel movements where less than half of the stool is blood?
Yes Have you had 2 or more tarry bowel movements?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Have you had 1 tarry bowel movement?
Yes Have you had 1 bowel movement where less than half of the stool looks bloody?
Yes Do you have bleeding from the rectum that is turning the toilet water red?
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 had new diarrhea or constipation for 3 days or longer?
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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