Concern About Possible Ingestion of Apricot Pit by Toddler
Hi there! I'm reaching out because I'm worried that my 20-month-old daughter might have swallowed an apricot pit. While she was enjoying a whole apricot—about the size of a small ping pong ball—I momentarily turned my back. When I glanced at her again, she had finished and seemed to be tossing something outside, but I couldn't locate the pit anywhere in the area. Is this something I should be worried about? Are there specific signs or symptoms I should monitor? Additionally, I wanted to mention that our pediatrician recently retired, and I haven’t yet arranged an appointment with a new doctor. Currently, I'm in the queue for a virtual consultation. Thanks for any guidance you can provide!
Answers (1)
7/14/2025, 9:30:52 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about your toddler potentially swallowing an apricot pit. While apricot pits can pose a risk, usually, if the pit is swallowed whole, many children manage to pass it without complications. However, it's important to monitor for any symptoms and know what steps to take.
Explanation
Apricot pits contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide, but the amount found in a whole pit is typically low. If your daughter did ingest the pit, here are some points to consider:
- Size and Shape: Whole pits can sometimes travel through the digestive system without causing issues, but if it's broken and sharp edges are present, there may be a higher risk of obstruction or injury.
- Symptoms to Watch For: Keep an eye on her for any of the following signs:
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Vomiting
- Difficulty swallowing
- Unusual lethargy or behavioral changes
- Signs of distress
Next Steps
- Immediate Observation: Monitor her closely for the next few hours and days for any of the symptoms mentioned above.
- Hydration: Ensure she stays hydrated, as this can help her digestive system function properly.
- Diet Adjustments: If she shows no signs of trouble, soft foods may be easier to digest while you watch for any issues (like bananas, applesauce, or yogurt).
- Emergency Actions: If she experiences severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or if you are concerned about her condition at any time, seek immediate medical attention.
It's good that you have a virtual consultation lined up, as you can discuss your concerns with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice based on her needs. In the meantime, stay calm and keep an eye on her symptoms. Let me know if you have further questions or need more detailed information!
Related Questions
Prolonged Exposure to Magnets: A Query about Safety
Hello everyone, I’m a 26-year-old male and I have a question regarding my work habits. I habitually carried a magnet attached to my hard hat to pick up metal shavings and manage wiring diagrams. Given that these magnets are positioned close to my head, I’m wondering about the safety implications. Are there any research findings related to long-term exposure and potential harm? I can't help but notice that when I carried the magnets, I experienced more intense headaches, though it coincided with the hot summer months, leading me to think dehydration might have played a role. I also do not have any medical implants or serious injuries, apart from a previously torn ACL. I'm intrigued about the matter, particularly since my current magnets are quite weak, and I'm considering upgrading to more powerful ones.
Struggling to Increase My Weight
At 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing 130 pounds, I’m a 17-year-old male who has been grappling with weight gain for the past year and a half. Despite my efforts, I’ve only managed to add 10 pounds during that time. My daily caloric intake sits between 1,500 to 2,000 calories, yet I find it challenging to consume more than that without feeling nauseous. I work out regularly, hitting the gym approximately three to four times each week, and I also engage in a lot of basketball. Despite my dedication, I feel like my strategies for gaining weight simply aren't effective. What would be the most straightforward and quickest way for me to pack on some extra pounds?
Should I Be Concerned?
Greetings everyone. I’m a 22-year-old woman seeking some guidance. For as long as I can recall, I have noticed these "lumps" on my scalp. They generally match my skin tone and appear stable, showing no signs of growth or change in size. Their height ranges from approximately 1/32 to 1/16 of an inch, if measured generously. I’m curious to know if these should raise any red flags for me. Thank you for your input!
Inquiry About Childhood Chiropractic Experience
Hello Reddit! I’m reaching out to seek insights regarding an experience from my adolescent years, roughly between the ages of 12 and 14. I’m currently 25 years old (female). To give you a bit of context, I encountered a troubling incident while bending down to access my locker; suddenly, my neck locked in a position to the side, rendering it completely immobile. The pain was unbearable. In response, my father thought it best to take me to a chiropractor, which seemed to provide some relief, yet I continued to endure significant pain and noticed an unusual odor that lingered for nearly a week. Unfortunately, this episode recurred a few months later, and I underwent the same routine; once again, I experienced that odd smell and extreme discomfort. Since those two occurrences, I have faced similar issues on only a couple of occasions, during which I opted for hospital care instead of chiropractic treatment. The medical professionals provided muscle relaxants, which effectively alleviated my pain without any bizarre lingering odor. Since those formative experiences, I have been left with a constant discomfort in my right shoulder, which feels strained frequently, and I find that my head tends to tilt towards one side. What could have caused this neck locking issue during my youth, and could my decision to visit a chiropractor instead of a physician have led to ongoing complications? I'm eager to understand what happened during those situations!
Frustration Over Medical Error: My Child's X-Rays Were of the Wrong Foot
[Patient: A healthy 2.5-year-old boy, average height and weight] I could really use some support right now. A couple of days ago, my toddler injured his foot while playing on a slide at the park. Since then, he hasn't been able to walk without pain or put weight on that foot, only managing to take a few steps at best. We visited his pediatrician, who performed an examination and concluded that the issue was with his left foot. She requested x-rays for that specific foot. After the x-rays were taken, the results indicated no fractures, merely suggesting a soft tissue injury that would require rest. However, after watching him struggle to move today, I've realized that he's actually favoring his left foot, while it’s his right foot that he's avoiding! They took x-rays of the wrong foot! 🤦♀️ As a parent, I feel absolutely devastated that this error occurred. I find myself overwhelmed with guilt for putting him through unnecessary radiation exposure. They captured around eight pictures of a foot that isn’t injured at all. The financial aspect—having spent $600 on those x-rays—feels secondary to the worry about the radiation and the continued uncertainty regarding whether there’s an actual injury. I'm feeling extremely upset and incompetent as a mother. Maybe someone could help me understand the radiation risk better? I’m really struggling with this situation.