Esophageal foreign body: a case presentation
Heiss, N.M.; Baker, K.G.; Martin, F.A.; Bredfeldt, R.C.
Journal of Family Practice 41(5): 489-491
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0094-3509 PMID: 7595268 Document Number: 453015
A case report is presented of a 10-month-old child with a 1-month history of respiratory symptoms, followed by 3 to 4 days of fever, progressing to poor feeding, vomiting, and weight loss. The child is cared for by his mentally disabled young parents. A chest radiograph revealed a metallic foreign body obstructing the proximal esophagus. Esophagoscopy and removal of a penny resulted in immediate resolution of the acute gastrointestinal symptoms; the respiratory symptoms resolved shortly thereafter. Diagnostic and therapeutic considerations in the management of pediatric aerodigestive foreign bodies are discussed. High-risk parenting, such as in this case, is a risk factor for pediatric foreign-body ingestion.