Swallowing a small piece of an aluminum can can be alarming. However, the human digestive tract is often capable of passing such small, non-food items without problems.
Immediate Actions
If you have swallowed a small piece of an aluminum can, remain calm. Do not induce vomiting, as this can cause more harm, especially if the object has sharp edges, or push it deeper into the airway. Avoid trying to dislodge the object with your fingers or any other instrument. Small pieces of aluminum foil are generally considered non-toxic.
To help the object move through your digestive tract, eat soft, bulky foods like a banana, bread, or mashed potatoes. These foods can help cushion the object. Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, also assists this process.
What to Expect and Watch For
Most small, blunt objects, including pieces of aluminum, pass through the digestive tract without complications. They usually exit the body with normal bowel movements within four to six days, though passage can sometimes take up to four weeks.
While many objects pass uneventfully, monitor for specific symptoms that could indicate a problem. Seek attention if you experience persistent pain in your throat, chest, or abdomen. Other concerning signs include difficulty swallowing, a persistent sensation of a lump in your throat, or gagging. Vomiting, especially if it contains blood, and any presence of blood in your stool are also red flags.
Other symptoms warranting attention include excessive drooling, coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. A fever, abdominal distension, tenderness, or sudden loss of appetite could also signal a complication. These symptoms may suggest the object is lodged or causing irritation, potentially leading to an obstruction or perforation of the digestive tract.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While many swallowed foreign objects pass without incident, certain symptoms and circumstances necessitate prompt medical evaluation. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any difficulty breathing, persistent choking, or an inability to swallow anything, including your own saliva. These signs could indicate the object is obstructing your airway or esophagus.
Any severe or worsening pain in your chest or abdomen, or continuous vomiting (especially with blood), requires urgent care. Blood in your stool or a fever could signal a serious complication, such as internal bleeding or infection. If the aluminum piece was large or had sharp edges, or if any of the above symptoms develop, seek professional assessment.
A doctor may perform X-rays or other imaging tests to locate the object. Depending on its size, shape, location, and symptoms, endoscopic removal may be necessary. In rare cases where the object causes issues or cannot be removed endoscopically, surgery might be required.