Generally, swallowing a whole cherry seed is unlikely to cause any harm. The main concern with cherry seeds (pits) is the potential for cyanide poisoning if the seed is crushed or chewed, releasing amygdalin, which the body can then convert to cyanide.
Understanding the Risk
- Whole Seed: If your child swallowed the cherry seed whole, it will likely pass through their digestive system without any problems. The hard outer shell prevents the release of amygdalin.
- Chewed Seed(s): If your child chewed and swallowed a cherry seed, a small amount of amygdalin may have been released. One or two seeds are unlikely to cause a significant problem, especially for older children.
- Multiple Chewed Seeds: The risk increases if your child has chewed and swallowed several cherry seeds.
Symptoms to Watch For
If you are concerned that your child has chewed and ingested a significant number of cherry seeds, monitor them for the following symptoms of cyanide poisoning:
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures
What to Do
- Stay Calm: It's essential to remain calm and assess the situation.
- Assess the Amount: Try to determine how many cherry seeds your child may have chewed and swallowed.
- Monitor for Symptoms: Watch for any of the symptoms listed above.
- Contact Professionals:
- If your child exhibits any symptoms, call 911 immediately.
- If you are concerned but your child is not showing symptoms, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. They can advise you on the best course of action.
Prevention
- Teach your child: Explain to your child that they should spit out cherry pits and not chew or swallow them.
- Supervise: Supervise young children while they are eating cherries.
- Remove pits: Remove the pits before giving cherries to young children.
Chewing and swallowing a few cherry seeds poses a low risk. If your child has ingested a large number of chewed seeds or is showing symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
