Overview

When your child swallows food, liquid, or an object, it passes from the mouth and goes down the throat and esophagus and into the stomach. But sometimes these things can get stuck in the throat or esophagus. This may make your child choke, cough, or gag. Some objects can cause more problems than others. Sharp, long, or large objects can scratch or cut the throat, the esophagus, and the stomach if they get stuck or if they are swallowed. When this happens, these areas can bleed or get infected.

If the object was stuck in your child's throat or esophagus, your doctor probably removed it. If your child swallowed the object, your doctor may have suggested that you wait and see if the object comes out in your child's stool. Most swallowed objects will pass through the body without any problem and show up in your child's stool within a few days. If the object does not show up in the stool within 7 days, the doctor may order tests to find out where it is in your child's body.

Your child's throat may feel sore after an object has been removed or a swallowed object has scratched the throat. It may hurt for a few days when your child eats or swallows. The scratch itself may make it feel as if something is still stuck in the throat.

How can you care for your child at home?

• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
  • Store your child's prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.
• If the doctor prescribed antibiotics for your child, give them as directed. Do not stop using them just because your child feels better. Your child needs to take the full course of antibiotics.
• Give your child liquids to drink. If swallowing liquids is easy for your child, then try soft foods like bread or bananas. If these foods are easy to swallow, start to add other foods.
• If your child swallowed an object and it has passed through to the stomach, try giving your child foods that are high in fibre, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods may help your child pass the object more quickly.
• Watch your child's stools to see if the object has passed. Do not give your child a laxative unless your doctor says that it is okay.
• Keep your child away from smoke. Do not smoke or let anyone else smoke around your child or in your house. Being around smoke can irritate your child's throat and esophagus even more.

To prevent swallowing objects or choking:

• Cut food into small pieces.
• Do not give popcorn, nuts, or hard candy to children younger than 4, and supervise older children when they eat these foods.
• Encourage your child to eat slowly, take small bites, and chew food all the way.
• Discourage laughing or talking with the mouth full.
• Warn your child not to eat or drink while doing something else, such as running or playing.
• Do not let your child hold objects, such as pins, nails, or toothpicks, in the mouth or between the lips.
• Do not give younger children small objects that may cause choking, such as disc batteries, coins, or marbles.
• Look for age guidelines when selecting toys for children:
  • Do not let your child play with a toy if your child is younger than the recommended age for the toy.
  • The safest toys for small children are at least 3 centimetres (1.25 inches) around or 6 centimetres (2.25 inches) in length.