Siblings Nearly Die After Swallowing Toy Magnets, Saved by Doctors
Siblings Nearly Die After Swallowing Toy Magnets, Saved by Doctors
Faridabad: A set of toy magnets bought online almost proved fatal for two siblings from Vrindavan. Three-year-old Pragyan and his 4-year-old sister, Hitanshi, complained of severe stomach pain earlier this month. At first, their parents thought it was a common stomach infection.
Within 48 hours, both children were rushed to Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, where doctors discovered they had swallowed small magnets. Pragyan had 10 magnets inside his intestines, causing eight holes, while Hitanshi had six magnets in her stomach, leading to tissue damage and perforations.
Doctors performed back-to-back marathon surgeries to save them. “Magnets are silent killers. Unlike coins, which usually block the gut, multiple magnets snap together through intestinal walls, cutting blood supply and causing holes and infections,” said Dr. Nitin Jain, Senior Consultant, Pediatric Surgery.
Growing Global Problem
Doctors warn this is not an isolated case. Worldwide, thousands of children have been hospitalized after swallowing magnets. In the US alone, over 23,000 cases have been reported since 2002. Similar incidents have been recorded across the Middle East, Asia, and India.
Why Magnets Are Dangerous
- One magnet usually passes through safely.
- Multiple magnets can stick together across the stomach or intestines.
- This crushes tissue, blocks blood flow, and causes life-threatening infections.
Doctors’ Advice to Parents
- Avoid toys with small detachable magnets.
- Get urgent medical help if a child swallows a magnet.
- Stricter toy safety rules and warnings are needed to prevent such accidents.
After weeks in intensive care, both siblings have been discharged and are now recovering at home. Their case highlights the hidden dangers of toy magnets and the need for stronger safety awareness.
