Can Latex Balloons Make Children Vomit??

Updated on July 20, 2008
L. asks from Denver, CO
16 answers

My son was playing with a balloon from his party yesterday, yes with my supervision, and fell landing on the balloon with his face. He inadvertenly swallowed a small piece of the balloon. I made sure it was not lodged in his airway and he seemed fine the rest of the night. Now this morning, he has been throwing up bright yellow, which was the color of the balloon. Could the balloon have made him sick and should I take him to the doctor or just ride it out. Has this ever happened to anyone else? If so, recommendations.

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T.M.

answers from Denver on

I used to let my almost 3 year old play with balloons but then I heard if swallowed they form to the shape of the esophagus and cut off breathing immediately. Now I dont let her touch them. I would definetly call the doctor

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J.H.

answers from Denver on

If I were you L., I would have called the doctor immediately after he swallowed the piece of balloon. If the doctor isn't in call the poison control center at 800 332 3073. Keep this number handy, you're going to need it.

J.

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K.N.

answers from Denver on

Yes it could make him vomit. If he swallowed a piece of the balloon it could be causing an obstruction. The yellow you are seeing could be bile if there is an obstruction in the small intestine also causing a blockage of the bile duct.

Bottom line---He needs to be evaluated. I hope you have already have had him seen.

Best wishes. Keep us posted.

After the update----Unfortunately, I have seen latex balloons cause an obstruction. I will concede that it can be directly related to the amount of rubber that is ingested and that it is proportionate to the diameter of the area it is passing through. I am glad your son is able to hold something down but am sorry you have to deal with a vomiting child.

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J.H.

answers from Billings on

Has he eaten any yellow candy recently? I know those rainbow Twizzlers gave me quite a scare by giving my daughter rainbow poop once. Otherwise, I would bet the yellow vomit is related to the balloon--maybe the acids in his stomach are breaking down the latex and releasing the pigments. I would take him to the doctor just to be on the safe side!

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N.R.

answers from Fort Collins on

hi,
yes, i will take him if the vomit continue....better be safe than sorry....you don't know which kind of paint they used on the balloons.
good luck and hope he feels better.

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D.K.

answers from Denver on

Call your Dr and ask him over phone today. Latex can cause allergic reactions in some people. The fact he is throwing up is a scary sign. I would call your Dr though first before rushing him in and see what they think!! Good luck.

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C.S.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I have never heard about a child swallowing a balloon so I wouldn't know if that is possible or not, but I would call your pediatrician. I would discourage letting him get it near his mouth. It sounds like he was just playing with it, but balloons can become dangerous quite quickly. It is hard for me not to let my five and two-year old play with them, so I try to let them bat them in the air and not touch them to blow them up at all. I don't remember the age that kids can play with balloons, but I'd keep it to a minimum like I try to do, less anxiety!!

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S.A.

answers from Boise on

I would take him to the doctor. If for any reason you did not get all of the balloon it could not be a good thing. Many children die each year from pieces of balloon in their system

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K.K.

answers from Provo on

Hi L.,

I was just reading your request and agree with all the ladies.
I was just curious if you have found out anything and how your son is doing. Hope all is well good luck take care
K.

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J.B.

answers from Denver on

You could also call Rocky Mtn.Poison Control.
Their # is ###-###-####.

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A.J.

answers from Salt Lake City on

He may have an allergy to Latex.I would call your pediatrician just to be safe. Good Luck

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L.R.

answers from Pocatello on

I would call your doctor. You can never be too safe! Good luck.

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C.B.

answers from Denver on

He could be allergic to Latex and vomiting is an allergic reaction. Get him checked if he is still vomiting.
C. B

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N.C.

answers from Colorado Springs on

is he allergic to latex? the yellow might be bile as well?

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K.L.

answers from Casper on

If it were me I would take him to the Dr. Better safe than sorry.

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K.J.

answers from Salt Lake City on

i don't know, but if your concerned, call your doctor

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