FOREIGN BODIES

_What should be done if a foreign body has been swallowed?_

First, examine the throat with the finger to see if it has lodged
there, and if so remove it. If it has passed from the throat it has
usually gone into the stomach.

_What should be done in this case?_

Give the child plenty of dry food, like bread, potato, etc., but under
no circumstances either an emetic or cathartic. An infant may have its
usual food.

_What harm would a cathartic do?_

It is likely to hurry the foreign body too rapidly through the
intestine and in this way do harm; otherwise it becomes coated with
fecal matter and passes the intestine usually without doing injury.

_What should be done if a child gets a foreign body into the ear?_

Unless this can easily be removed with the fingers it should not be
meddled with, for it is likely to be pushed farther into the ear. The
child should be taken to a physician.

_What should be done if there is a foreign body in the nose?_

The child should blow his nose strongly while the empty nostril is