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Warning-sign checks

Foreign object - swallowed: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services now if the person cannot breathe, speak, or cough effectively; develops blue or grey lips; collapses; or appears to have a completely blocked airway.

    Follow the emergency operator's instructions and use age-appropriate choking first aid if you know how.

    Go to an emergency department immediately after swallowing:

    • A button or disc battery
    • More than one magnet, or a magnet with metal
    • A sharp, pointed, large, or long object
    • An expanding water bead
    • A packet that may contain drugs or another poisonous substance

    Immediate assessment is also needed for drooling or inability to swallow saliva, breathing difficulty, severe neck or chest pain, repeated vomiting, blood in vomit or stool, severe or worsening abdominal pain, fever, or a hard or swollen abdomen.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent same-day medical advice if a young child may have swallowed an object, the object is unknown, or you are unsure whether it was a coin or battery.

    This also applies if the person has esophageal narrowing, a swallowing disorder, or previous digestive tract surgery.

    Get reviewed sooner if new pain, vomiting, fever, bleeding, swallowing difficulty, or breathing symptoms develop.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Once a clinician confirms that the object is low risk and suitable for observation, follow the planned follow-up.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Foreign object - swallowed. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.