Indigestible objects (foreign bodies) are sometimes swallowed by adults. Whether or not the object moves all the way through the digestive tract depends on many factors. This includes the size and shape of the object, whether the object is sharp and pointy, and what the object is made of.
Based on your evaluation, no treatment is needed at this time. The swallowed object is expected to move through your digestive tract and pass out of the body in the stool with no problems. This may take about 24 to 48 hours, but could take longer depending on your bowel habits. If imaging tests were done, you will be told when the results are ready and if they affect your treatment.
Home care
-
Follow any instructions from your provider about eating and drinking. In some cases, you may be told to only eat soft foods and drink liquids for the first 24 to 48 hours.
-
You will need to check your stool each time you have a bowel movement. This is so you can confirm that the object has passed, and look for signs of bleeding. If the object does not pass, it may mean that the object is stuck somewhere along the digestive tract. In such cases, the object may need to be removed with a procedure.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your healthcare provider as advised. You will be told if further treatment is needed. In certain cases, you may need to return to have imaging tests done. This is especially true if the object you swallowed is visible on X-ray and doesn't seem to be passing. Call your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.
When to get medical advice
Call your healthcare provider right away if any of the following occur:
-
Belly pain, cramps, or swelling
-
Trouble swallowing or pain with swallowing
-
Vomiting that won’t stop
-
Fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider
-
Inability to pass stool
Call 911
Call
-
Trouble breathing, wheezing, or coughing that won’t stop
-
Trouble speaking
-
Unusually fast heart rate
-
Chest pain that is new or getting worse
-
Vomiting blood (red or black) or bleeding from your rectum (red)
-
Blood in the stool (red or black)
-
Swelling of the neck
-
Weakness, dizziness, or faintness
Urgent Care
Find a DoctorRelated Articles
Hyphema
Hyphema is bleeding in the front part of the eye. This most often happens after a direct blow to the eye. It may cause blurred or dim vision, and pain from increased pressure in the eye. Read on to learn how to care for this injury at home.
Frostbite
Frostbite is a freezing injury to the body's tissues caused by prolonged exposure to cold. It can cause permanent damage to the tissue.
Nonpoisonous Spider Bite
The venom from a spider bite can cause a local skin reaction. This often causes local redness, itching, and swelling. This reaction will fade over a few hours to a few days. A spider bite can become infected. Read on to learn more.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a life-threatening emergency. It occurs when you breathe in carbon monoxide (CO) fumes.
