UW Health Doctor Warns of Small Toys Being Ingested by Children

Sunday, August 22nd, 2021 -- 11:01 AM

(WMTV) Madison doctors are warning parents of an increase in emergency room visits for children who are ingesting two types of small toys.

Around one in 10 emergency room cases this year of items swallowed or found in the ear or nose of children are the result of “Orbeez” and “Bucky Balls,” explained UW Health.

Bucky Balls have no affiliation with University of Wisconsin Madison, the health agency noted, and are small magnetic balls. Orbeez are beads that swell when put into water.

Dr. Nicholas Kuehnel, medical director of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at American Family Children’s Hospital, said the trend in these items being swallowed has grown in the past few months to about one case per week in the ER.

Both types of toys can be dangerous if ingested. Dr. Kuehnel said the magnetic balls are stronger than the average fridge magnet and could lead to serious blockage or holes in the bowels or intestines that could lead to lifelong complications.

The beads could also require surgery to remove, as they can swell up to 20 inches in diameter. Doctors are also reminding parents to supervise their children if they are playing with these items.

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