Foreign body in the oesophagus
- Foreign body in oesophagus is most common in children
- In children: Coins, nuts, toys, button batteries, magnets
- Button batteries are especially dangerous because they can short-circuit and perforate the oesophagus
- In adults: Fish bones, dentures
- Usually stuck in the hypopharynx or upper part of oesophagus
- Clinical features
- Pain
- Feeling of pressure
- Dysphagia
- Diagnosis
- X-ray
- Oesophagoscopy
- Treatment
- Nothing (if asymptomatic, low-risk)
- Try eating moist, wet bread or buns (eases passing)
- Endoscopic removal if not passed within 24 hours
- Urgent endoscopic removal (if high-risk)
- Nothing (if asymptomatic, low-risk)