Question

A child accidentally ingested a date pit two days ago. The child is one month and two weeks old. How should one respond?

Answer

Based on the patient’s symptoms, an initial assessment suggests accidental ingestion of a foreign object. Generally, accidental ingestion of foreign objects does not cause any symptoms unless the object becomes lodged in the throat, causing difficulty breathing. This situation is not uncommon. Children usually pass foreign objects through their bowels. It is recommended to allow the child to rest adequately, avoid overexertion, and avoid spicy foods. Consume a moderate amount of easily digestible vegetables. If the child has difficulty defecating, you can give them sweet potatoes or honey orally to achieve a lubricating effect, helping the date pit pass through the body.