The majority of swallowed soft, pliable, small and non-sharp items of all types will pass through the intestines and come out in the stool without internal harm or damage. If your child has chest pain, drooling, gagging or reports feeling that something is stuck in the throat, do not force food or fluids. Seek medical attention right away!
If your child is not having the symptoms above, have them drink fluids and eat a serving of “sticky” food. Watch for symptoms of abdominal pain or tenderness, persistent vomiting, and fever over the next few days. These symptoms could indicate an obstruction in the intestines and needs to be evaluated by a doctor.
If you think your child has swallowed a foreign body, do not panic. Inspect the mouth for any pieces of the foreign body and remove immediately, then give the child a snack and fluids. Due to the wide variety of foreign bodies that are ingested, call the Missouri Poison Center right away at 1-800-222-1222, for specific information about what has been swallowed. The poison center is open all day, every day for poisoning emergencies and questions.