Concerns Regarding My Child's Recovery After Swallowing a Lego Piece
Last week, my 14-year-old inadvertently ingested a small Lego block while attempting to pull them apart using his teeth. Thankfully, he was able to breathe without any difficulty, so we promptly took him to the emergency room. There, he consumed barium for imaging purposes, and a CT scan of his throat and chest was conducted, but the piece was not located. The medical staff indicated that it was likely to pass naturally and suggested that he might only have a minor scratch in his throat. However, it has been eight days since the incident, and he continues to experience significant throat discomfort, struggling to eat solid foods due to a sensation of blockage, even with softer items that are thoroughly chewed. Given his unique challenges—with being on the autism spectrum and having Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)—this situation is particularly complicated. He has not experienced a fever, breathes normally, and has maintained regular bowel movements without any vomiting. I'm curious about the expected duration for his throat to return to normal. Are there any potential complications I should be aware of? The sensation of food feeling stuck is heightening his anxiety and causing panic. While he is quite hungry, protein shakes do not appeal to him, and softer options like jello and pudding are not sufficiently satisfying. I would appreciate any advice that might assist in speeding up his recovery process.
Answers (1)
8/15/2025, 12:31:25 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about your child's recovery after swallowing a Lego piece, especially given his existing challenges. While the medical team indicated it should pass naturally, ongoing throat discomfort and the sensation of blockage eight days post-ingestion warrant careful attention.
Key Points:
- The sensation of blockage and throat discomfort may be related to irritation from the swallowed object or anxiety rather than a physical blockage.
- It's encouraging that he has no fever and normal bowel movements, suggesting no immediate complications.
- Throat injuries can take time to heal, and each individual’s recovery can vary.
Explanation:
When a foreign object like a Lego is swallowed, it can cause irritation or minor injury to the throat. It's also possible that anxiety about eating, especially with a history of ARFID, is exacerbating his discomfort and causing a feeling of food being stuck. Though it's common for throat irritation to improve within a week or two, some individuals may take longer to feel completely normal.
Actionable Next Steps:
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Soothing Foods: Since he finds protein shakes unappealing, consider other soft, nutritious options he may enjoy, such as smoothies made with ingredients he likes—perhaps fruits or yogurt, which can be thin and soothing.
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Hydration: Encourage plenty of fluids. Warm herbal teas can be comforting and may help ease irritation. Avoid acidic drinks which might aggravate discomfort.
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Gradual Reintroduction: Since solid foods cause discomfort, focus on gradually reintroducing them. Start with softer foods (like mashed potatoes or cream soups) that may feel more satisfying but are still easy to swallow.
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Relaxation Techniques: Help him manage anxiety through relaxation exercises or breathing techniques before meals. Reading about anxiety reduction strategies for children on the autism spectrum can also provide tailored ideas.
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Monitoring Symptoms: Keep an eye on his symptoms over the next several days. If discomfort persists beyond two weeks, worsens, or if he starts showing signs like difficulty swallowing, increased anxiety, or behavioral changes around food, it might be useful to reach out to a healthcare provider for further evaluation.
Service Follow-Up
If the feelings of blockage continue to cause significant anxiety, consider consulting a mental health professional experienced with children on the autism spectrum and ARFID, as they can provide strategies specifically tailored to help him cope with this distressing experience.
It’s great that you are seeking solutions for him. Support him during this recovery phase, and together explore meal options that he feels comfortable with.
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