Question
My child is one and a half years old and accidentally swallowed a car key. I’ve heard that cherry pits are toxic; are car keys also toxic? Do I need to go to the hospital immediately?
Answer
If the child accidentally swallows a car key, there is generally no need to be overly concerned. Although the car key contains toxins, the toxicity is not strong, and it usually passes through the digestive system and is excreted from the body. It is recommended for parents to closely monitor the child’s bowel movements and encourage them to consume enough vegetables and fruits to promote intestinal peristalsis, which will help the key to be excreted more quickly. In most cases, there is no need to rush to the hospital immediately.