WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is foreign body ingestion? A foreign body is an object you swallowed. Examples include dental work and button batteries. A foreign body can cause problems as it moves through your digestive system. What are the signs and symptoms of foreign body ingestion? You may not have any symptoms, or you may have any of the following: - Drooling or vomiting
- Bloody vomit or rectal bleeding
- Chest pain, abdominal pain, or a feeling that something is stuck
How is foreign body ingestion diagnosed? Your healthcare provider will examine your throat, chest, and abdomen. Tell him what type of object you swallowed and when you swallowed it. He may use any of the following to find the object: - A barium swallow or other x-rays may be used to check your neck, chest, and abdomen. You will drink thick liquid called barium while healthcare providers take x-rays. Barium helps your esophagus and stomach show up on x-rays.
- A metal detector may be used to look for coins or other metal objects in your body.
- A CT may be used to check for objects in your esophagus or stomach. You may be given contrast liquid to help your stomach show up better. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid.
- Endoscopy may be used to see the inside of your digestive system. A scope is a long, bendable tube with a light on the end of it. A camera attached to the scope will take pictures.
How is foreign body ingestion treated? Your healthcare provider may want to observe you for 24 hours or longer. Most objects pass through the digestive system and come out in a bowel movement. Objects that are small or smooth will often pass without a problem. Search for the object every time you have a bowel movement. What can I do to prevent another foreign body ingestion? - Cut your food into small pieces. Chew your food well before you swallow.
- Make sure dentures or other dental fixtures are secure. You may need to go to the dentist to have dental work repaired.
When should I seek immediate care? - You have a fever.
- You have severe abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting.
- Your vomit or saliva is bloody.
- Your bowel movements are black or bloody.
When should I contact my healthcare provider? - You do not find the object in your bowel movement within 2 or 3 days.
- You do not want to eat because of abdominal pain or vomiting.
- You are drooling or hoarse.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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