First Aid & Emergencies

Swallowed Object Treatment

1. If Airway Is Blocked

• For an adult or child over 12 months, see Choking Treatment.

2. If Airway Is Partially Blocked

• Encourage the person to cough to dislodge swallowed object.

• Do not perform Heimlich maneuver, thump the back, or attempt to remove object.

3. When to See a Doctor

See a doctor immediately if:

• The person has swallowed a battery. See Battery Ingestion Treatment.

• The person may have swallowed something poisonous. See Poisoning Treatment.
• The person swallowed a sharp object or something metal.
• The object may be stuck in the esophagus.
• The person is coughing, wheezing, or vomiting.

4. Follow Up

If you see a doctor, follow-up will depend on the type and location of the swallowed object and severity of symptoms.

• The doctor may order X-rays to locate the object in the body.

• The doctor may try to remove it.
• In most cases, swallowed objects pass through the system without causing injury or requiring surgery.

If you do not see a doctor after an object is swallowed or if your doctor asks you to:

• Check stools for the object.

• Call doctor if the object doesn't show up in stools within seven days.