If you’ve swallowed something you shouldn’t have, like a coin or toy, this guide covers steps to take, including when to let a cough do its work, how to perform the Heimlich maneuver, and when medical intervention is necessary for safety.
Have you swallowed something you shouldn’t have? Maybe a small toy, a coin, or, um, even part of a pen cap? It happens! And while our bodies are pretty amazing at handling some foreign objects, others, well, they can cause a bit of a fuss. It’s particularly concerning when it’s something sharp or larger that could obstruct the airway or digestive tract. So, what do you do?
Let’s figure out what steps to take if you, or someone you know, swallows something they shouldn’t have.
- How to Handle Swallowing a Foreign Object
- Performing the Heimlich Maneuver
- How to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver on Another Person
- How to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver on Yourself
- When Is Medical Intervention Necessary?
How to Handle Swallowing a Foreign Object
If you see a child or someone swallow something, and they’re still able to cough forcefully, speak, and breathe, don’t interfere. Seriously, don’t! The best thing you can do is encourage them to keep coughing. Coughing is the body’s natural way of dislodging the object and preventing it from going down the wrong pipe which you know leads to the lungs. Trust their body to do its thing—it’s usually the most effective way to clear the airway.
Now, if the person can’t cough, is struggling to breathe, or their cough sounds weak, things are a bit more serious. You’ll need to jump into action ASAP by trying abdominal thrusts also known as the Heimlich maneuver. That said, here’s how:
- Give the person five firm back blows between their shoulder blades using the heel of your hand.
- Stand behind the person and give them five abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver), which we’ll explain shortly.
- Alternate between five blows and five thrusts until the object comes out.
Performing the Heimlich Maneuver
As part of handling swallowing something you shouldn’t the Heimlich maneuver is key. But the steps vary a bit depending on if you’re helping someone else or yourself. Let’s break it down, shall we?
1. How to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver on Another Person
These are the key steps to perform the Heimlich maneuver on someone else:
- Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around their waist.
- Make a fist with one hand and place it slightly above their navel.
- Grasp your fist with your other hand and press into their abdomen with a quick, forceful upward thrust. Imagine you’re trying to lift them up.
- Repeat these thrusts five times, and if the object doesn’t dislodge, alternate between back blows and abdominal thrusts.
If the person is pregnant or a larger individual, perform chest thrusts instead of abdominal thrusts. Position your hands higher, at the lower part of the breastbone, avoiding the abdomen.
If you’re the only one around, about to call for emergency help, but need to perform the Heimlich maneuver, do so before calling. If you are helping them it’s best to call while you are helping administer first aid.
Now, if the person loses consciousness, gently lower them to the floor and start CPR. Look inside their mouth to check if you can see the object blocking their airway; if you can carefully remove it using your fingers. Try to avoid pushing the object further down. If you can’t remove the foreign object and the person is still unresponsive, immediately begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
2. How to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver on Yourself
If you’re alone and choking, you’ve got to act fast. It’s key to get emergency help, while you can’t use your phone make as much noise as you can to try to call for help. From there try to perform the Heimlich maneuver on yourself:
- Place a fist slightly above your navel.
- Grasp your fist with your other hand, and lean over a hard surface like a countertop.
- Thrust your fist inward and upward with a quick, forceful motion.
- Repeat the process until the object is dislodged or help arrives.
What situations require medical intervention?
After discussing how to handle swallowing a foreign object, it’s also important to know when medical help is needed, and what can be handled on your own.
- If you’ve swallowed sharp or dangerous objects: This includes anything with sharp edges or points that could cause damage as it moves through your system, increasing the odds of an intestinal perforation.
- If you’ve swallowed electronic items: For example, small button batteries. This can cause chemical burns and tissue damage very quickly.
In addition to knowing when to seek help after swallowing a foreign object, it’s also good to know how to proactively avoid this. Here are a few tips:
- When eating, chew properly, and don’t rush or gulp down food too quickly, which may make it harder to detect small inedible objects.
- If you have dental issues such as loose fillings or crowns, get them fixed ASAP.
- When giving toys to small children, make sure that they are safe, age-appropriate, and don’t have small detachable parts that could be swallowed.
- Store small, dangerous items such as pins, needles, and medications in a safe, secure place out of reach of children.
Key takeaways
- Don’t panic! If you’re still able to cough and breathe, your body is doing its thing.
- If someone is choking, alternate between back blows and abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) until the object comes out.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you’ve swallowed something sharp, a battery, or are experiencing severe symptoms.
FAQ, Myth & Facts
Is it always necessary to go to the ER after swallowing something?
Not always. If the object is small, round, and not sharp, it will likely pass through your system without any issues. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with a doctor to be sure.
What if I swallowed a fish bone?
Small fish bones often pass without problems, but larger ones can get stuck. Try eating a piece of bread soaked in water—it can help dislodge the bone. If you have persistent pain or difficulty swallowing, see a doctor.
Myth: Swallowing gum stays in your stomach for seven years.
Fact: While gum isn’t digestible, it doesn’t stay in your stomach for years. It moves through your digestive system and is eventually excreted.
What are the symptoms of an intestinal perforation?
Severe abdominal pain, fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms.
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I swallowed a small button battery once. I didn’t think much of it at first, but then I started feeling really sick. Turns out, those batteries can cause serious damage. I learned my lesson the hard way—always keep small batteries away from kids and pets!
My little one swallowed a coin, and I was so scared! I didn’t know what to do, but thankfully, I remembered reading something about back blows and abdominal thrusts. It worked, and the coin came right out. I felt like a superhero mom!
I once choked on a piece of steak while eating alone. I couldn’t breathe, and I started to panic. That’s when I remembered the Heimlich maneuver. It was the scariest moment of my life, but I managed to dislodge the food and save myself. Now, I’m extra careful when I eat!
So, yeah swallowing something you shouldn’t is scary, but knowing what to do can make all the difference. Keep this guide handy, and remember, when in doubt, always seek medical attention. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry! It’s one of those things we don’t think about, but when it happens, we wish we were ready. I know I’ll be keeping a closer eye on what I, and those around me, put in our mouths!
