Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED because you swallowed an object that was not food.
If the object was stuck in your esophagus, or was a potentially harmful object like a battery, magnet, or something sharp or long, the doctor probably removed it from your body. You can now safely recover at home.
If the object was not stuck and not potentially harmful, the doctor probably left it inside your body. The object will likely pass through your digestive system without causing any problems, then leave your body through a bowel movement. But you might need follow-up X-rays to check that the object is moving through you safely. If so, make sure you know when and where to go for this appointment.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●If the object is still inside your body:
•Look at all your bowel movements to make sure the object passes out of your body. This can take a few days.
•The object might pass out of your body faster if you have regular, soft bowel movements. To help with this:
-Drink extra water, unless the doctor told you to limit fluids.
-Eat high-fiber foods. These include whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
-Ask your regular doctor if you should take any medicines, like laxatives.
•Watch for the symptoms listed below. These could mean the object got stuck somewhere in your digestive tract or is harming your digestive tract.
●If the object was removed, you will get instructions on what to do after going home. This includes things like what to do after sedation or any changes to your diet or medicines.
When should I get emergency help?
●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if:
•You have severe belly pain that starts or gets worse suddenly, or is constant.
•Your belly gets very hard or swollen.
•You vomit many times over several hours.
•You have a lot of blood (more than 1 teaspoon, or 5 mL) in your bowel movement or vomit.
●Return to the ED if:
•Your bowel movements are black or tar colored.
•You vomit, and it has a small amount of blood (less than 1 teaspoon, or 5 mL) in it or something that looks like coffee grounds.
•You feel extremely weak or lightheaded.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills.
●You cannot eat or drink.
●You do not pass the object in your bowel movement within 1 week.
●Your bowel movements have a small amount of blood (less than 1 teaspoon, or 5 mL) in them.
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
