Question
Is it dangerous for a nine-and-a-half-month-old baby to accidentally swallow a watermelon seed? After eating, there was nothing unusual, but after falling asleep, it seemed like the baby was constantly coughing as if something was stuck.
Answer
If watermelon seeds enter the gastrointestinal tract, they generally pass through on their own without causing intestinal obstruction. However, if they are accidentally inhaled into the trachea, the situation becomes more serious. Tracheal foreign bodies are usually difficult to expel on their own and may even cause respiratory difficulties, requiring the removal with a bronchoscope. Since your child is too young, the procedure can be quite challenging. If the bronchoscope cannot remove it, surgery may be necessary.