Foreign Body in the Esophagus

Abstract

A foreign body in the esophagus always causes some disturbance in deglutition. There may be dysphagia or odynphagia. Usually the two are combined and the patient not only is unable to swallow food, but also has definite pain in the process. In addition to this, he usually can indicate the level at which the obstruction exists. The amount of obstruction to the passage of food depends on the size and shape of the foreign body. There usually is a definite history of the onset but in infants and small children this history may be lacking since the object may have been swallowed when the child was alone. There may be no definite pain. The only sign which may be noticed is that the child does not eat well. He may refuse all solid food or may vomit solid food when he attempts to eat it. Reluctance to eat is not an entirely reliable sign because many children pass through a period in which they pick at their food and take a long time and much persuasion to eat a meal. However, when a child who has previously eaten well suddenly begins to refuse food, he should be suspected of having a foreign body in the esophagus. Anteroposterior and lateral roentgenograms should be taken. If a radioopaque foreign body is present, it will show in these films. If these are negative, barium should be given and its progress through the esophagus watched under the fluoroscope. Roentgenograms should be taken of any. . .