Sometimes a swallowed object will scratch or puncture the tissue of the esophagus or other areas of the digestive tract. When this happens, bleeding, inflammation, infection, and, rarely, shock can occur. Items that increase the risk for this kind of damage include:

• Sharp objects, such as pins, bones, toothpicks, needles, razor blades, or broken thermometers.
• Long objects.
  • 2 in. (5.1 cm) or longer in adults and older children
  • 1.25 in. (3.2 cm) or longer in babies and small children

Endoscopy or surgery may be needed to remove an object causing tissue damage or stuck in the esophagus or stomach. Surgery is usually needed if the object is stuck in the intestines. Items that may get stuck in the intestines include:

• Large objects.
  • 1 in. (2.5 cm) in diameter or larger in adults and children
  • 0.75 in. (1.9 cm) in diameter or larger in babies and small children

• Long objects.
  • 2 in. (5.08 cm) or longer in adults and older children
  • 1.25 in. (3.18 cm) or longer in babies and small children

Most swallowed objects will pass through the digestive tract without a problem. You can expect to see the object in the stool within 7 days. However, sharp, long, or large objects may cause problems.

Call your health professional if you have swallowed a long, large, or sharp object and you have abdominal pain, tarry or bloody stools, vomiting, or a fever.