Magnets can be problematic when ingested
Doctor, my son swallowed magnets? Should I be worried? Yes. Please get him to the ER now.
But doctor children have been swallowing non-food objects for a long time. Why worry
A conversation that occurred at 1 a.m. Not an uncommon scenario. Not an uncommon reason to be in the ER. Magnet ingestions needs urgent evaluation and treatment or very close observation.
Magnet ingestions have become common. There was a hiatus for a few years when magnet ingestions had reduced, as there was a law banning the high strength magnets but since the law has been overturned, they are now available in abundance, in various colors, shapes and sizes and as a part of multiple toys.
The problem with magnets is, that there are many out there that are “super-magnets.” This means that they have very high magnetic power. And when a child swallows two or more magnets, or swallows single magnets at different intervals, or swallows a single magnet and other metallic objects, these can get attracted to each other and in the process squeeze the intestinal loops together leading to a hole in the intestine. This is a true surgical emergency.
Hence, ingestions of magnets lead to urgent endoscopies to retrieve the magnet or if beyond the reach of the endoscope, surgery to retrieve the magnets before damage occurs or in other cases repair the damage.
At times, parts of the intestine have had to be removed as there was much damage and repair was not feasible.
Unfortunately, albeit rarely, death has occurred because of ingestion of magnets and late presentation.
The problem is that though children do swallow inedible objects, for a lot of them (this list does NOT include button batteries, sharp objects, long objects, lead containing objects, multiple objects, corrosives, medications, poisons) it is usually innocuous. Magnets and objects in this list are different and can cause trouble.
It is also different when unknown objects are ingested (sometimes the X-ray cannot give a clear picture), or a so-called “innocuous” foreign body gets “stuck” anywhere from the throat to the bottom end causing an obstruction.
So how to avoid this. Well for magnets — shun all toys that have magnets; don’t get any high-powered magnets as toys or for entertainment; in fact talk to your local representatives to have them banned.
If you, as an adult have an interest in the high-powered magnets, ensure that they are kept away under lock and key and each one is accounted for. A single magnet left out can spell trouble.
Remember, that it is not only important to keep these dangerous objects out of sight but out of reach, as that energetic toddler can reach them if it is in her or his sight.
If you suspect a magnet ingestion (or for that matter, button batteries and any object from the list mentioned above), contact poison control and start a trip to the emergency room. Don’t wait.
Better to keep the child fasting so that urgent procedures, if required, can be carried out safely. In all probability this would include X-rays, followed by either endoscopy or surgery or watchful observation with serial X-rays and purges.
Avoid this trouble and stress. Keep magnets out, as also button batteries. Discourage buying them or toys who have them, and if you must, store them in a safe. Do not consider magnets as toys.
Half the battle is won just by knowing that magnets can be dangerous!