Superabsorbent polymer beads that are often used as toys or decorations can cause bowel obstructions in young children, which may require surgery, according to research presented at the AAP National Conference & Exhibition.
“Water beads are available online and at big stores that carry toys or garden supplies, as well as craft stores,” Bryanna Emr, MD, FACS, assistant professor of pediatric surgery and medical director for the pediatric trauma program at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, in Hershey, Pennsylvania, told Healio. “They are often given to children