Foreign Body Ingestion

Foreign body ingestion refers to the act of swallowing an object that is not meant to be eaten. This can include a wide range of items, such as coins, batteries, toys, jewelry, and other small objects.

Causes and Risk Factors

Foreign body ingestion can occur in anyone, but it is most common in children under the age of 6 years. Children are naturally curious and may put objects in their mouths as part of their exploration of the environment. Other risk factors include:

• Young children who are still developing their hand-eye coordination and may accidentally swallow small objects
• Children with developmental delays or disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder
• Adults with certain medical conditions, such as dementia or intellectual disability
• Intentional ingestion of foreign bodies, such as in cases of mental health disorders or substance abuse

Symptoms

The symptoms of foreign body ingestion can vary depending on the type and size of the object swallowed. Some common symptoms include:

• Choking or gagging
• Coughing or wheezing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Pain or discomfort in the throat, chest, or abdomen
• Vomiting or regurgitation of food
• Blood in the stool or vomit

Complications

If a foreign body becomes lodged in the digestive tract, it can cause serious complications, including:

• Obstruction of the intestine, which can lead to bowel ischemia or perforation
• Puncture of the esophagus or stomach, which can lead to infection or abscess formation
• Intestinal perforation, which can lead to peritonitis or sepsis
• Battery ingestion can cause burns to the esophagus or stomach due to the generation of external current

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of foreign body ingestion is typically made based on a combination of:

• Medical history and physical examination
• Imaging studies, such as X-rays or CT scans, to visualize the object in the digestive tract
• Endoscopy, which involves the use of a flexible tube with a camera to visualize the inside of the esophagus, stomach, or intestine

Treatment

The treatment for foreign body ingestion depends on the type and location of the object. Some common treatments include:

• Endoscopic removal of the object, which involves the use of a flexible tube with a camera to retrieve the object from the digestive tract
• Surgical removal of the object, which may be necessary if the object is lodged in the intestine or has caused significant damage
• Supportive care, such as fluids and pain management, to help manage symptoms and prevent complications

Prevention

To prevent foreign body ingestion, it is recommended to:

• Keep small objects out of reach of children
• Supervise children during meals and playtime
• Avoid giving children small toys or objects that can be easily swallowed
• Teach children about the dangers of swallowing non-food items