What Happened When My 5-Year-Old Swallowed 40 Pieces Gum
Discover the surprising aftermath of a child swallowing 40 pieces of gum.
Join us as we delve into a parent's harrowing experience when their 5-year-old accidentally ingested 40 pieces of gum. From the initial panic to the unexpected outcome, this story sheds light on what happened next and the lessons learned along the way.
In Ohio, a 5-year-old boy recently had to undergo a procedure to remove a cluster of chewing gum lodged in his stomach. The incident was detailed in a case study published in JEM Reports this week.
The child, whose identity remains undisclosed, had consumed approximately 40 pieces of sugar-free gum. He was rushed to the emergency room the following day, experiencing cramps and diarrhea due to the obstruction in his gastrointestinal tract.
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Clinicians conducted tests to check for "bezoars," which are indigestible foreign objects commonly swallowed by children.
Under the leadership of Dr. Chizite Iheonunekwu from the Cleveland Clinic, the healthcare team discovered the gummed-up mass in his stomach through scans.
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Using an esophagoscope, and a metal tube, the physicians carefully extracted the gum buildup by reaching down his throat with forceps.
Despite experiencing a sore throat from the procedure's repeated attempts, the young patient was discharged without any lasting health issues, as detailed in the report.
Davy
