Foreign Body Ingestions in Pediatric Patients: Management in the Emergency Department (Trauma CME)

Publication Date: September 2026 (Volume 23, Number 9)

CME Credits: 4 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, 4 ACEP Category I Credits, 4 AAP Prescribed Credits, 4 AOA Category 2-B Credits. CME expires 09/01/2029.

Specialty CME Credits: Included as part of the 4 credits, this CME activity is eligible for 0.5 Trauma CME credits, subject to your state and institutional approval.

Author

Amber M. Hathcock, MD, MPH, FAAP

Medical Director, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, US Acute Care Solutions, Tampa, FL

Abstract

Foreign body ingestions are a common occurrence in the pediatric population, particularly in young children. Early recognition of high-risk foreign body ingestion and prompt management are paramount to prevent morbidity and mortality. This review provides a systematic approach to the evaluation and management of foreign body ingestions in pediatric patients, with clinical pathways to guide management of various foreign body ingestions. Also discussed are recommendations for caregiver education and measures to improve prevention of foreign body ingestion.

Case Presentations

CASE 1

A 10-month-old boy is brought in by his grandfather for concern for ingestion of a button battery…

The grandfather tells you the boy was playing with his hearing aid. He is worried because now he cannot find the battery from the device. He did not see the child put anything in his mouth. He tells you the boy has been acting normally and feeding normally, with no symptoms.
On examination, the boy is happy and playful. He is afebrile with a heart rate of 128 beats/min, a respiratory rate of 22 breaths/min, and an oxygen saturation of 100% on room air. He is not in respiratory distress and is breathing comfortably. The abdominal examination is benign.
What is the best approach for evaluating this patient?

CASE 2

A 2-year-old girl with abdominal pain is brought in by her mother…

The mother found the girl playing with a toy that contained superabsorbent polymer beads. The toy broke, and the mother is concerned the girl may have swallowed some of the beads.
The girl is retching, but no emesis is coming up. Her vital signs are: axillary temperature, 37.7°C; heart rate, 155 beats/min; respiratory rate, 24 breaths/min; and oxygen saturation, 100% on room air. On examination, the girl is still retching, appears uncomfortable, and has a bloated, diffusely tender abdomen.
What imaging modality would best identify the beads and determine treatment?

CASE 3

A 5-year-old boy presents after ingesting 2 rare-earth magnets...

The boy was helping his mother do some gardening and swallowed some of the magnets.
He has abdominal pain but no vomiting. He is afebrile with a heart rate of 110 beats/min, a respiratory rate of 18 breaths/min, and an oxygen saturation of 99% on room air.
What imaging studies are indicated for this patient?

Accreditation:

EB Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

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