UAE Doctors Warn of Risks as Children Accidentally Swallow Coins, Batteries, and Other Objects

Doctors are reporting an increase in cases where children unwittingly ingest small objects such as coins, batteries, and other items, posing serious health risks and requiring swift medical intervention

In a concerning trend observed across hospitals in the UAE, doctors are reporting an increase in cases where children unwittingly ingest small objects such as coins, batteries, and other items, posing serious health risks and requiring swift medical intervention.

According to healthcare professionals, ingesting foreign objects can lead to severe complications ranging from intestinal blockages to life-threatening injuries.

Advertisement

Recently, incidents at Thumbay University Hospital and Burjeel Hospital have highlighted the critical need for vigilance among parents and caregivers.

At Thumbay University Hospital, a seven-year-old Sudanese girl was rushed to the emergency department after swallowing three 1 dirham coins.

Although initially asymptomatic, an X-ray revealed that one coin had lodged in her esophagus while the others had progressed into her abdomen.

Doctors performed an emergency endoscopy to safely remove the coins, emphasizing the importance of immediate medical attention to prevent further complications.

Dr. Mohamed Ahmed Nabil Abdaziz Elshobary, a specialist at Thumbay University Hospital, underscored the risks associated with ingesting foreign objects, stating, “Sharp items like needles or fish bones can puncture the intestines, leading to serious infections and requiring urgent surgery.”

Similarly, at Burjeel Hospital in Abu Dhabi, an eight-year-old child was admitted after swallowing a lithium battery. While the battery did not obstruct the airway, gastroenterologists swiftly intervened with an endoscopic procedure to safely retrieve the object.

Advertisement

Dr. Magdi Mohamed, an emergency medicine consultant at Burjeel Hospital, emphasized the urgency of removing such objects promptly due to their potential chemical hazards.

The severity of each case depends on whether the foreign object has entered the airway or remains in the digestive tract. “Objects like batteries containing chemical materials pose immediate dangers and require urgent removal,” explained Dr. Mohamed.

For parents, recognizing the signs of ingestion and seeking medical help without delay are crucial. Dr. Elshobary advised, “Even if a child shows no immediate symptoms, seeking medical advice is essential as complications can arise suddenly.”

In cases where a child has swallowed an object and is not crying or speaking, Dr. Mohamed recommended performing CPR. “For infants, chest thrusts combined with back slaps can help dislodge the object and prevent further blockages,” he added.

The incidents serve as a stark reminder for parents to ensure a safe environment for children, free from small objects that could be swallowed accidentally. Vigilance and quick action are key to preventing potentially life-threatening situations.

Doctors across the UAE urge parents and caregivers to be proactive in child safety, keeping small objects out of reach and seeking medical advice immediately if ingestion is suspected. Early intervention can significantly reduce the risk of complications and ensure children’s well-being.

As the number of reported cases continues to rise, healthcare providers emphasize the importance of education and awareness campaigns to promote child safety and prevent future incidents of accidental ingestion.

In conclusion, while accidents can happen, timely medical response and preventive measures can make all the difference in safeguarding children from the dangers of ingesting foreign objects.

 

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members

Tariq Saeed

Read More

UAE is an exceptional growth force under the leadership of Mohammed bin Zayed

The UAE is always stronger under the leadership of Mohammed bin Zayed and the vision and directives of Mohammed bin Rashid, not only because it was the fastest in overcoming the effects of the pandemic, the most difficult in human history, and the most balanced in dealing with the pandemic between human health and economic interests, and it is not the strongest as well because of its great leaps in its competitiveness.

Unexpected rainfall sweeps across UAE; Temperatures set to plummet to 8°C in select regions

Nighttime and Friday morning will bring a surge in humidity over some internal areas, while light to moderate winds are expected to sweep through, causing the characteristic blowing of dust

Math Prodigy Aaryan Shukla Sets Six Guinness World Records in Dubai

Aaryan's rigorous daily practice of two to three hours has made him a two-time champion of the Mental Calculation World Cup (MCWC) and now a six-time Guinness World Record holder

Recent

UAE bans 20 African nationalities seeking to visit Dubai

Following DW Africa, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced a visa ban on nationalities from 20 African countries seeking to visit Dubai, and the ban will be taking immediate effect.

Cyprus’s Tus Airways sends the first flight to Dubai

TUS Airways sent an inaugural flight flight, U8 684, from Larnaca Airport to DXB Airport in Dubai. This very first flight of TUS Airways...

Expo 2020 Dubai hosts Middle East’s first vegan food festival

Veganuary, which takes place in January, is a month dedicated to promoting and celebrating veganism and a plant-based lifestyle. From the 14th to the...
admin