Esophageal Foreign Body in Children
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
An esophageal foreign body
is an object your child swallowed that got stuck in his or her esophagus (throat). Coins, button batteries, small toys, and screws are commonly swallowed objects. A piece of food or a fish bone can also become stuck in your child's esophagus.
Common signs and symptoms of an esophageal foreign body in children:
- Refusal to eat
- Drooling or vomiting
- Choking or gagging
- Coughing or noisy breathing
- Pain in his or her neck or throat
- Sore throat and a runny or stuffy nose
- Irritability and changes in behavior
- Fever
- Bloody vomit or rectal bleeding
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- Your child has chest or abdominal pain.
- Your child is choking.
Seek immediate care if:
- Your child has a fever.
- Your child's vomit is bloody.
- Your child's bowel movement is black or bloody.
- Your child has trouble swallowing or breathing.
Call your child's doctor if:
- The object has not come out within 3 days.
- You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.
How may an esophageal foreign body be removed?
Your child's healthcare provider may choose to observe your child for 24 hours or longer. Most objects pass through the digestive system on their own within 7 to 10 days. Objects that are small or smooth will often pass without a problem. You will need to search for the object every time your child has a bowel movement. Do not use laxatives or stool softeners. Do not force your child to vomit. Your child's provider may try to remove the object with any of the following:
- Endoscopy may be used to remove the object.
- Forceps may be used to grab the object if your child's provider can see it in the back of your child's throat. Forceps also may be used to remove the object during endoscopy.
- Bougienage is a procedure used to push the object into your child's stomach. Your child's provider will insert a thin tube into your child's esophagus to widen it. This may be done if the object is smooth and likely to pass through your child's digestive system normally.
- A balloon catheter may be used to pull the object out of your child's esophagus. The catheter is a thin tube with a deflated balloon at the end. Your child's provider will insert the balloon catheter into your child's mouth or nose until it goes past the object. The balloon will then be inflated. This procedure may be done if the object is smooth or blunt.
- Surgery may be needed if the object cannot be removed another way.
Prevent another esophageal foreign body:
- Never leave any small item anywhere your child can reach it. Examples of small items include coins, earrings, small toys, batteries, and magnets. Keep nails and screws away from young children. Count them before and after you finish a project.
- Teach older children to keep small toys away from babies and toddlers. Marbles are especially easy for babies to swallow.
- Keep all medicines safely away from children. Keep medicines in childproof containers. Store medicines in a cabinet or similar place that can be secured with a childproof lock.
If you think your child swallowed another foreign body:
- Do not stick your finger into your child's throat to try and remove an object. This could push the object even deeper.
- Do tell your child to cough if he or she is old enough to understand. He or she may be able to cough out the object.
Follow up with your child's doctor as directed:
Your child may need to return for x-rays or other tests. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Learn more about Esophageal Foreign Body
Care guides
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
