Digestive Foreign Bodies in Children: Old Problems, New Complexities

Foreign body ingestion in children has been a problem for millennia. We present an update on the new and emerging complexities of this age-old problem. Foreign body ingestion is often asymptomatic, but may present with a variety of nonspecific symptoms. While most foreign bodies that make it past the pylorus will pass without further intervention, new technologies and toys are an important cause of concern when ingested. We discuss how to manage ingestions of button batteries, rare earth magnets, and water beads, with the hope of raising awareness of the need for safer products to protect this vulnerable population.