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If a child swallowed a magnet, treat it as an emergency — especially if there’s any chance they swallowed more than one magnet or a magnet plus a metal object.
What to do right now
Go to the ER immediately (or call your local emergency number).
Do not try to make the child vomit.
Do not give laxatives or force food to “push it through.”
If possible, bring the magnet packaging or tell doctors the size/type (small high-power magnets are the most dangerous).
Why magnets are dangerous
If two magnets are swallowed (even hours apart), they can attract through loops of intestine and cause:
bowel trapping
tissue death
perforation (holes)
severe infection
This can happen before symptoms appear.
What doctors usually do (hospital management)
They typically:
X-ray the chest/abdomen to see where the magnet is and whether it’s one or multiple.
Decide treatment based on number of magnets + location + symptoms:
If 1 magnet only
If it’s already in the stomach/intestine and the child is well:
close observation + repeat X-rays to confirm it’s moving.If it’s stuck in the esophagus/stomach and not moving:
endoscopic removal.
If 2+ magnets (or magnet + metal)
Usually urgent endoscopic removal if reachable.
If beyond reach or not progressing:
surgery may be needed.
Red flag symptoms (don’t wait for these)
belly pain
vomiting
drooling or trouble swallowing
fever
blood in stool
refusal to eat / lethargy
Even without symptoms, multiple magnets is still urgent.
If you tell me the child’s age, how long ago, and whether it was one magnet or possibly more, I can explain what the ER will likely do next — but the key action is still: go now.
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