Accidentally swallowing a balloon can be an unsettling experience, especially considering potential health implications. Understanding what happens after ingestion and recognizing potential dangers is important for safety. This knowledge helps individuals, particularly parents, respond appropriately.
Immediate Risks and Symptoms
The most significant immediate danger from swallowing a balloon, particularly an uninflated or broken piece, is airway obstruction. Balloons, especially those made of latex, can easily stretch and conform to the shape of the throat, creating a complete blockage that prevents breathing. This makes them a leading cause of choking deaths in children, accounting for approximately 38% of toy-related choking fatalities reported between 2001 and 2014.
Choking symptoms can appear suddenly and require immediate attention. These may include persistent coughing, gagging, difficulty breathing, wheezing, or noisy breathing. In severe cases, a person might be unable to speak, cry, or make any sounds, and their lips or skin may turn bluish due to lack of oxygen. The smooth, slippery texture of balloon material can also make it difficult to remove using standard first-aid methods like back slaps or the Heimlich maneuver.
Journey Through the Digestive System
If a swallowed balloon or balloon piece successfully passes the airway, it will then enter the esophagus and proceed into the stomach. Once in the stomach, the balloon’s material, whether latex or foil (Mylar), is inert and will not be digested by stomach acids. The balloon will typically remain intact as it moves through the rest of the digestive tract.
A swallowed balloon, especially a small or collapsed piece, will typically pass through the intestines and be excreted in the stool within 24 to 72 hours. However, while often harmless once in the stomach, there remains a potential for complications, such as intestinal blockage. This risk is higher with larger pieces or in very young children whose digestive passages are narrower.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Immediate emergency medical attention is necessary if any choking symptoms are present after swallowing a balloon. Signs like difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, bluish discoloration of the skin, or inability to speak or cry warrant an immediate call to emergency services. While basic first aid such as the Heimlich maneuver can be attempted if trained, professional medical help should be sought without delay.
If the balloon was swallowed without immediate choking, but concerning symptoms develop afterward, medical evaluation is advised. These non-emergency but concerning symptoms can include persistent abdominal pain, vomiting, drooling, or a refusal to eat. A lack of bowel movements or blood in the stool could also indicate a potential intestinal blockage, which requires prompt medical assessment. Always consult a healthcare professional when in doubt about a swallowed foreign object.