The What, Why, And How Of Swallowing A Foreign Object - Maitri Hospital

1. Swallowing a foreign object is most commonly seen in children who are less than 4 years of age, or in alcoholic intoxicated adults. Or, it may also happen due to an accidental incident. The most common foreign objects found stuck in the throat include nails, safety pins, coins, and fish bone. What happens when a foreign object is swallowed? A foreign object when swallowed may go into the food pipe or wind pipe. In the food pipe, it may get stuck at the posterior part of the tongue, oesophagus, anterior pillar, tonsillar fossa, or pyriform fossa. And, in the wind pipe, it may get stuck in the trachea, larynx, or bronchi. In many cases, when the object enters into the food pipe, the digestive tract will process the object, which will make it exit the body naturally. If not, it may get stuck, which will need you to consult a doctor immediately. What are the symptoms that indicate a foreign object being stuck? The patient who has swallowed a foreign object may start choking, coughing, or wheezing. He may even find difficulty in breathing or swallowing, or feel pain in the throat. If left unattended, it may lead to complications like infection, obstruction of the airway, or trauma to nearby areas. It isn’t necessary that these symptoms are seen immediately. The object may show symptoms later if the body has trouble passing the item. These symptoms may then include vomiting, drooling, gagging, abdominal pain, chest pain, throat pain, or fever. How will the doctor diagnose and treat the patient?

2. In case of any such issue, you must immediately consult Maitri Hospital’sENT surgeon in . When you approach him, he will undergo a few investigations like X-ray, CT scan, and Kota Thoracoscopy. X-ray may locate the item; and bronchoscopy may take a closer look at the airways. After diagnosing the problem, the doctor will find various ways to treat the problem. Emergency treatment – In case a foreign object is stuck up in the throat, it calls for emergency treatment. The object may be removed using back blows or CPR. Home care –If there isn’t any choking or pain, or if the object doesn’t seem to have been swallowed completely, the doctor may decide to wait and see if the body passes the item normally. Surgeries – If the case is severe, the doctor will suggest a surgery. This could likely be when the object swallowed is pointed, which can immediately cause pain or damage to the bowels or esophagus. This may call for immediate surgery or endoscopy to remove the object without puncturing the bowels or esophagus. Apart from removal of any foreign object from the throat, Maitri Hospital’s specialistENT surgeon in Kota can also help with other ear, nose, and throat issues. These include common cold treatment, sinus repair surgery, tonsil infection treatment, thyroid gland surgery, and ear wax removal. So, for any such ENT problems, get in touch immediately to get the most appropriate treatment. For more information, visit: http://www.maitrihospital.com/