Overview
Objects stuck in the throat or food pipe cause drooling or trouble swallowing.
Most smooth, small objects pass in stool within a week.
Button batteries, magnets, and sharp objects can cause serious injury.
Symptoms
Common signs:
- Swallowed an object
- Swallowed a coin, toy, or bone
Less common
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Chest pain
When to get medical care
Call 911Choking or trouble breathing, a button battery, magnets, or a sharp object: call 911 or go now.
Get care todayDrooling, vomiting, belly pain, or trouble swallowing.
See a doctor soonAny swallowed object, for advice.
Causes
Curious kids.
Who is more likely to get it
- Young children
Diagnosis
An X-ray finds metal objects.
Tests
Tests, if needed:
- X-ray:
Treatment
Get advice fast.
Self-care
- Call Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
- Don't make the child vomit
- Watch stools for the object if told to
Prevention
To prevent:
- Lock away batteries and magnets
Which doctor treats this
- Urgent care or the ER can treat it first. For minor problems, your primary care provider can help.
- They may send you to a gastroenterologist (stomach and gut doctor).
- Poison Control can help right away, any time: call 1-800-222-1222.
Back to school, work, or sports
- Recovery time varies. Ask your care team when you can drive, lift, work, and exercise.
Children, pregnancy, and older adults
- Children under 5: Most common.
Outlook
Most pass.
Most coins pass in a few days.
Getting ready for your visit
Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.
Questions to ask
- Do we need an X-ray?
Research studies
Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-12.