Question

Four days ago, a nine-month-old baby accidentally ate a chestnut with the skin, and the parents are worried that this may harm the child’s health. How should one handle this situation?

Answer

In most cases, the skin of the chestnut eaten by mistake will naturally pass out of the body, so parents should not be overly concerned. It is recommended to closely monitor the baby for any discomfort such as abdominal pain and consider an X-ray examination to ensure the position of the chestnut skin. The fibrous tissue in the chestnut skin is harmless to humans, and small amounts consumed will not cause any problems. However, if consumed in large quantities, it may burden the digestive system, leading to indigestion. In this case, you can give the child digestive medicine to aid digestion. If parents still feel uneasy, it is advisable to bring the child to the hospital for further examination.