T18.19

Clinical Causes: Accidental swallowing of small objects such as coins, batteries, or toys Attempting to swallow non-food items, often seen in children or individuals with certain mental health conditions Eating hurriedly or distractedly, leading to unintentional ingestion of foreign objects Cultural or traditional practices involving the insertion of objects into the mouth or throat Occupational hazards where small objects are handled or ingested, such as in manufacturing or crafting

Key Symptoms: Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) Pain or discomfort in the throat or chest area Feeling of something lodged or stuck in the throat Drooling or excessive saliva production Coughing or choking episodes Vomiting or regurgitation In severe cases, breathlessness or breathing difficulty

Diagnosis Path: X-ray scans: Often the first step, especially for metallic or radio-opaque objects Computed Tomography (CT) scans: Used if the foreign object is not visible on X-ray or to assess possible complications Endoscopy: A procedure where a thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the esophagus to locate and potentially retrieve the object Barium swallow study: Occasionally used to evaluate swallowing mechanics, though it is less common for foreign body detection

Treatment Protocols: Observation: Small, smooth objects that have passed into the stomach may be monitored if they are unlikely to cause harm Endoscopic removal: The preferred method for extracting lodged objects, utilizing specialized tools through an endoscope Surgical intervention: Reserved for cases where endoscopy fails or complications such as perforation or obstruction occur Supportive care: Includes pain management, hydration, and monitoring for signs of infection or injury