Swallowed foreign bodies

Patient Information Leaflet

Introduction

This leaflet is for people who have swallowed a foreign body.  It gives information on how you should care for yourself at home.

Nearly all swallowed objects pass through the digestive system without causing any harm, including those with sharp edges.

The narrowest part of the digestive system is the lower end of the oesophagus (the food pipe). Once it has passed from here into the stomach, it is very unlikely to cause a blockage.

How do I care for myself at home?

• Eat as you do normally unless the healthcare practitioner who is caring for you instructs you otherwise.
• Check your faeces (poo) carefully to see if the foreign body comes out. It usually takes one to three days for it to come out.
• Do not take any laxatives.

What should I look out for at home?

You should go to your GP or your nearest Emergency Department if you:

• Have trouble swallowing food.
• Get pains in your abdomen (tummy area).
• Vomit (are sick).

If you have queries when you get home, please contact your GP or NHS 111.

Can I find out more?

If you have any questions, or if there is anything you do not understand about this leaflet, please speak to one of our nurses. If you need help when you return home, please contact your GP or NHS 111.

If you have any feedback on this patient information leaflet, please email dgft.patient.information@nhs.net

This leaflet can be made available in large print, audio version and in other languages, please call 0800 073 0510.

Originator: Joanne Taylor Date reviewed: December 2021 Next review due: August 2026 Version: 3 DGH ref: DGH/PIL/01347.