What Are The Repercussions Of Accidentally Swallowing A Gold Ornament?

Posted on Fri, 31 Mar 2017

Question: Hi,

My son 8+ years have accidentally swallowed a small gold ear ornament, but is in the body since 2 weeks from now. I am literally worried if something could happen if I leave that like. However there are no serious other conditions like stomach ache, vomiting etc. We are feeding him lots of food but, the item is not coming out.

X-Ray has been attached.

Br,
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No need to worry as the child is asymptomatic

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for choosing this platform

I have seen the attached X-ray and do understand your concern as already 2 weeks have been passed. In X-ray the metal is visible in lower part of the abdomen. In most of the cases the ingested foreign material passes in stool within 2-3 days but sometimes it may remain there for long duration(sometimes in months)as in your case.
I wont get overly worried as the child is otherwise symptomatic. Continue giving fiber diet with plenty of fluids and observe for some more time. Nothing need to be done apart from observation in such condition.
Giving polyethylene glycol a mild laxative with no side effects may help in early expulsion by increasing the motility of gut.
I suggest you to discuss about the laxative with your doctor and get it prescribed.
I hope this helps.
Please let me know if you have any more queries.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (8 minutes later)

since this is gold, does it have any side effect in the long run. Also where exactly is the object?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Gold is non corrosive and one of the least allergic metal

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for follow up

One should be worried in case of corrosive metals/substance like battery as this may cause damage to the intestine but gold is a noncorrosive metal and one of the least allergic metal.
So I wont get worried(unless it gets symptomatic)as it is gold.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (26 minutes later)

sir - is it possible to assess where and why the object is stuck and what is likely time of object getting dischrged?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, USG/CT/MRI can detect the location of foreign dody

Detailed Answer:
Hi

The location of foreign body can be easily detected with radiological investigation like USG, CT scan or MRI. There is one site in intestine which is comparatively narrow and connects two parts ileum and cecum. In x-ray the foreign body is visible in right lower part where the junction of ileum and cecum lies. So that may be a possible location. Still I don't think any investigation is needed as sometimes it may take 3-4 months and child is asymptomatic.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (3 hours later)

Is it advisable to go for any of these tests or try with some enema to know the clear reasons for why the object has stuck? or just leave it until the object just comes out on its own.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Better leave it for some more days

Detailed Answer:
I would suggest you to leave it for some more days. Try some oral laxative after discussion with your doctor and get repeat x-ray done after 15 days to check the movement of foreign body.

Regards

Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar