Emergency Concern: Child Ingests Marble and Possible Norovirus Exposure
Last Wednesday, my 6-year-old accidentally swallowed a marble. Unfortunately, we overlooked checking her stool the following day. Since then, we've been monitoring her bowel movements closely but haven't yet located the marble. On the same day, she was in contact with other neighborhood children who were infected with norovirus. It has been six days since she swallowed the marble and had that known exposure. Now, it’s Tuesday at 3 AM, and she has just vomited in her bed. Up until now, she seemed to be doing well—no reported pain or discomfort. However, my wife and I are uncertain about the best course of action. Should we reach out to her pediatrician in the morning? Consider visiting a children's emergency room? Or is it advisable to just wait and observe her condition?
Answers (1)
3/25/2025, 10:30:38 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to be concerned about your child’s health, especially after swallowing a marble and experiencing vomiting. Here are the key points to consider:
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Swallowed Marble: Since it has been six days and your child has not had any significant pain or discomfort while bowel movements have been regular, there’s a possibility the marble may still be in her digestive system. However, vomiting can be a sign of various issues, including potential irritation or obstruction.
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Norovirus Exposure: Vomiting can also be a symptom of norovirus, especially considering recent contact with infected children. Monitoring for other symptoms like diarrhea, fever, or abdominal pain is crucial.
Next Steps:
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Immediate Monitoring: Observe your child closely for any additional symptoms like persistent vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, or diarrhea. Check for signs of dehydration, such as reduced urine output, dry mouth, or irritability.
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Hydration: Ensure she stays hydrated by giving her small sips of clear fluids. If she continues to vomit, stop giving her anything for 30 minutes, then try fluids again.
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Seek Medical Attention: Given the combination of swallowing a marble, current vomiting, and recent norovirus exposure:
- Visit the pediatrician in the morning. Given it's currently early morning, if the vomiting worsens, or if she becomes unresponsive, consider going to a children’s emergency room immediately.
- Call your pediatrician in the morning to discuss her symptoms, especially the vomiting after such a recent incident and potential norovirus exposure.
Additional Assurance:
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed in these situations. By monitoring her closely and seeking appropriate help, you're taking the right steps for her safety and well-being. If you observe any critical changes in her condition, don't hesitate to seek emergency help sooner.
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