Question
A 1-year-and-6-month-old baby has eaten watermelon seeds, and there are online claims that the seeds might get stuck in the urethra, causing concern. The baby did not exhibit any coughing or other abnormalities after eating and is currently in good spirits.
Answer
Foreign objects inhaled into the airways can cause mild coughing or more severe symptoms like respiratory blockage and difficulty breathing. If the child does not show these symptoms, it indicates that the object has entered the digestive tract. If there are no abnormal reactions, there is no need to worry. It is advisable to remain vigilant during feeding. In case the baby accidentally inhales a foreign object, the “Heimlich maneuver” can be used. This involves the parent standing behind the child, taking an arching step with one foot between the child’s feet, one hand making a fist under the navel, and the other hand covering the fist to apply force to expel the object. For younger babies, parents can immediately lift them by their legs, bending their heads downward while gently tapping on their backs.