Metallic plate in tobacco filters: A new pediatric challenge

Foreign body (FB) ingestion is a common pediatric emergency, especially in younger children during the oral phase of their developmental behavior.1 This exploratory tendency is a natural phase of development, yet it places young children at a heightened risk of accidental ingestion of nonedible items. The ingestion of sharp objects is associated with significant risks, including mucosal trauma, gastrointestinal perforation, and in severe cases, life‐threatening complications requiring prompt intervention.2,3 Pediatric FB ingestion accounts for a significant number of emergency department visits, with outcomes depending on the type of ingested object and the promptness of medical intervention.4 Recently, a new category of ingested foreign bodies has emerged: filters from tobacco products, specifically cigarette multicomponent filters containing metallic plates.5 While seemingly innocuous in their intended use, these objects present a unique clinical challenge due to their sharp edges.6 Unlike more common ingested objects such as coins or toys, these filters are designed with specific functional properties that unintentionally increase their risk profile when ingested by children.