The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment has stated that the ingestion of small objects by children, such as batteries, magnets, and water beads, constitutes a medical emergency that requires a doctor's consultation without delay.
Typically, an X-ray is first taken to determine the number of magnets present, after which they are removed using an endoscope, a long, flexible tube equipped with a camera that is inserted into the body.
The Institute pointed out that water beads contain super-absorbent polymers that absorb liquids and turn them into gel.
If a child swallows a small battery, there is a risk that it will get stuck in the esophagus. Its contact with the wet mucous membrane causes an electric current to pass, which in turn stimulates a chemical reaction that can cause severe burns within minutes.
If there is suspicion that a child has swallowed a small battery, honey is suitable as a first aid measure until reaching the hospital; it forms a protective barrier between the esophageal tissue and the battery.
Since this obstructs blood flow, it can, in the worst case, lead to the death of the affected part of the intestine.
In such cases, it is essential to undergo a medical evaluation in the hospital immediately.
If a child swallows two or more magnets, they may attract each other in the intestines and press against the intestinal wall.
If children ingest a large number of water beads, it can have dire consequences; as soon as they come into contact with fluids, the beads swell more and more in the body, and their volume can increase up to a hundred times their original size, which can lead to a bowel obstruction, requiring abdominal surgery.
Inhaling water beads can also pose a life-threatening risk to a child; they may choke, which can be identified by the child's difficulty in breathing.
To avoid these serious risks, these objects should be kept out of children's reach to prevent them from being swallowed in the first place.
Honey is suitable as a first aid measure if a child has swallowed a small battery until reaching the hospital. It is recommended to give the child a small teaspoon every 10 minutes.
The Institute also noted that magnetic units attract each other even inside the body.
