Foreign Body (swallowed)
This advice sheet has been written for safety netting advice after your child has had an initial review by their GP, nurse or hospital doctor for their swallowed foreign body.
When should you worry?
If your child has any of the following:
- If your child is drooling more than normal
- If your child develops noisy breathing, difficulty breathing, has blue lips or a new cough
- If your child is choking or coughing when eating or drinking
- If your child is refusing food or eating less than usual
- If your child starts gagging, vomiting or retching
- If your child develops severe pain
- If your child has blood in their stool
- If your child becomes confused or is difficult to wake
You need urgent help.
Go to the nearest Hospital Emergency (A&E) Department or phone 999
If your child has any of the following:
- If your child develops mild pain
- If your child has a fever
- If your child has not passed stool for >1 day when you would normally have expected them to do so
You need to contact a doctor or nurse today.
Please ring your GP surgery or call NHS 111 - dial 111.
If none of the above features are present.
Self care
Continue providing your child’s care at home. If you are still concerned about your child, call NHS 111 – dial 111.
Advice and Guidance
Self care and Prevention
Button Batteries – A Serious Danger
Button batteries (the small, round, flat ones) can cause serious harm if swallowed. They can get stuck in your throat and burn through tissue in just a few hours. If you swallow one, you need to go to A&E immediately – you may need a procedure to remove it.
Where you might find button batteries:
- TV remotes
- Car keys
- Hearing aids
- Musical greeting cards
- Some toys
What you can do:
- Check all battery-powered devices at home and make sure the battery cases are properly closed.
- Keep button batteries out of reach and sight.
- Be extra careful when buying toys online – some may not meet UK safety standards.
- Teach younger siblings about the dangers of button batteries.
- Store spare batteries in a locked container.
- Dispose of old batteries safely – most supermarkets have recycling bins for them.
Magnets – Not as Harmless as They Look
Magnetic ball toys are super dangerous if swallowed. Unlike regular fridge magnets, these small, powerful magnets can stick together inside your body, damaging your intestines or other organs. Surgery may be needed to remove them.
If you swallow one or more magnets, go to A&E immediately.
What you can do:
- Avoid buying magnetic ball toys.
- If you have younger siblings, make sure they don’t have access to them.
- Be cautious when shopping online – some unsafe toys are still being sold.
Video Showcase
