Question
How to handle a child swallowing a foreign object?
Answer
If the child swallows a smooth, non-barbed round object and shows no discomfort, they can be encouraged to consume fibrous foods to promote the expulsion of the foreign object. Generally, within 1 to 2 days, the object will pass out of the body with the stool. Parents should check the child’s stool after defecation to see if there is any foreign object. If it has not been expelled after 3 days, the child should be taken to the hospital for a follow-up examination.