New research, published in The Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, shows a decrease, in the hundreds, of children needing operations to remove objects they’ve swallowed or stuck up their noses.
The study examined Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) from 2000 to 2022, finding that since 2012, procedures to remove objects from children's throats, airways, and noses have seen a ‘significant decline’, of almost 700 cases.
The total number of foreign body removal procedures for the alimentary tract, respiratory tract, and nasal cavity decreased by just over 28% from 2012 to 2022:
* Alimentary (digestive) tract: a decrease of 195 procedures, which equates to a 27.54% reduction over 10 years.
* Respiratory tract: a decrease of 10 procedures, which equates to a 7.58% reduction.
* Nasal cavity: a decrease of 484 procedures, which equates to a 30.92% reduction.
The move towards cashless payments explains some of the reduction in swallowing incidents, adding a new dimension to the ongoing debate about cash versus contactless payments that focuses on financial inclusion and convenience. Historically, coins accounted for over 75% of objects swallowed by children under six years old, and fewer coins in homes due to contactless payments have likely helped reduce the number of these procedures. While contactless payments may have contributed, several other factors likely helped – especially for reductions in procedures on the nose. Enhanced parental awareness through public health campaigns, improved child-proof packaging, changes in data collection methods, and shifting behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic have all contributed.
Concern is shifting towards other potentially dangerous shiny objects, which could be seen as similar to coins by a child, such as button batteries and magnets. These can cause deadly internal complications within hours of ingestion leading to tragic consequences.
Mr Ram Moorthy, Council member at the Royal College of Surgeons of England and Consultant Adult and Paediatric Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) surgeon, said: “It is positive that fewer children are swallowing coins. This study shows how new technology can make children safer in ways we didn't intend, but there are still hazardous items to be aware of. As doctors, we still worry about other dangerous items, such as button batteries and magnets, that can really cause harm. We must continue to make sure that small items like this are not within a child’s reach.”