Summary about Disease
Foreign body ingestion refers to the accidental or intentional swallowing of an object that is not food. These objects can range from small, harmless items like coins to sharp or large objects that can cause serious complications. The outcome depends on the size, shape, and nature of the object, as well as the location where it becomes lodged in the gastrointestinal tract.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the object ingested, its location, and any complications that arise. Common symptoms include:
Choking or gagging
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Drooling
Chest pain or discomfort
Abdominal pain
Vomiting
Coughing
Wheezing
Refusal to eat
Irritability (especially in children)
Blood in stool or vomit Asymptomatic ingestion is also possible.
Causes
The primary cause is accidental or intentional swallowing of non-food items. Common causes include:
Accidental Ingestion: Common in young children who explore their environment by putting objects in their mouths.
Intentional Ingestion: May occur in individuals with mental health conditions, developmental disabilities, or substance abuse issues.
Food Bolus Impaction: Swallowing of poorly chewed large pieces of food that get lodged in the esophagus.
Foreign Body Insertion: Swallowing a foreign body that was being used for other purposes (e.g., toothpicks, utensils).
Objects Stuck in Meat: Fish bones, chicken bones, or other bone fragments that are swallowed with food.
Medicine Used
There is no specific medicine to treat foreign body ingestion directly. Treatment focuses on:
Observation: If the object is small, blunt, and likely to pass spontaneously, observation may be the only intervention.
Medications to Relax the Esophagus: Medications like glucagon may be used in some cases to relax the esophagus.
Medication to reduce stomach acid: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may be used if a sharp object like a battery is suspected to be stuck in the esophagus to reduce the severity of damage.
Is Communicable
No, foreign body ingestion is not communicable. It is not caused by an infectious agent and cannot be transmitted from person to person.
Precautions
Preventing foreign body ingestion involves:
Childproofing: Keep small objects out of reach of young children.
Supervision: Closely supervise children, especially during meal times and playtime.
Cutting Food Appropriately: Cut food into small pieces for children and those with swallowing difficulties.
Proper Dentition: Correct any chewing issues as it can lead to ingesting larger boluses of food.
Education: Educate individuals with cognitive impairments or mental health conditions about the risks of swallowing non-food items.
Safe Storage: Store batteries, magnets, and other hazardous items securely.
How long does an outbreak last?
Foreign body ingestion is not an outbreak. It is a single incident of swallowing a non-food object. The "outbreak" (if you can call it that) is only as long as the object is lodged in the body. Once the object passes naturally or is removed, the incident is resolved.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves:
Medical History: Taking a detailed history of the event, including the object ingested, time of ingestion, and any symptoms.
Physical Examination: Checking for signs of distress, airway obstruction, or abdominal tenderness.
Imaging Studies:
X-rays: Can detect radiopaque objects (e.g., metal, some plastics).
CT Scan: May be used for more detailed imaging or to evaluate for complications.
Endoscopy: A flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth to visualize the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Allows for direct visualization and removal of the foreign body.
Fluoroscopy: In some cases.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms depends on the object ingested and its location:
Immediate: Choking, gagging, coughing, drooling (if lodged in the esophagus).
Within Hours: Chest pain, abdominal pain, vomiting, difficulty swallowing.
Within Days: If the object remains lodged and causes complications, symptoms can include:
Fever (if infection develops)
Blood in stool or vomit
Perforation
Asymptomatic Passage: The object may pass without any noticeable symptoms.
Important Considerations
Batteries and Magnets: These are particularly dangerous. Batteries can cause burns in the esophagus, and multiple magnets can cause bowel perforation. Require prompt removal.
Sharp Objects: Sharp objects have a higher risk of causing perforation and should be removed endoscopically if possible.
Airway Obstruction: Airway compromise is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate intervention.
Asymptomatic Ingestion: Close monitoring may be appropriate for small, blunt objects that are likely to pass spontaneously.
Children: Caregivers need to be vigilant of what children put into their mouths.