Swallowing Multiple Magnets Poses Danger To Children

[Wilber_Stool]

OAK BROOK, Ill. - Children who swallow more than one magnet need immediate medical care, according to Alan E. Oestreich, M.D., pediatric radiologist at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC). Dr. Oestreich expressed his concern in a letter to the editor published in the November issue of the journal Radiology.

"Any time more than one magnet passes beyond the stomach of a child, urgent surgical consideration is required," Dr. Oestreich said.

Swallowing foreign objects is a common occurrence among children, primarily between the ages of 6 months and 3 years. Approximately 80 percent of the objects that reach the stomach will pass through the gastrointestinal tract on their own. However, up to 20 percent will need to be removed surgically. While a single swallowed magnet may pass, in many instances, multiple magnets will become lodged in the intestines.

(more)
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/10/041027143806.htm

[liontamer]

1. you gotta love kids n/t

[DS1]

2. I'll admit, that last magnet I passed was pretty rough on the sphinc'

[jdots]

3. I know a kid who had to have a jelly bean in her nose...

removed at a clinic.She naturally wanted to eat it after a doctor got it out. Kids= never a dull moment.