4-18. ESOPHAGEAL FOREIGN BODIES
a. Description. Foreign objects--fish bones, peanuts, etc.--sometimes become
lodged in the esophagus.
b. Signs and Symptoms. Included are the following:
(1)
Immediate coughing and gagging.
(2) Pain in the neck at the level of the thyroid cartilage. Most esophageal
foreign bodies lodge in the esophageal inlet.
(3)
Patient complaint of, "Something stuck in my throat," but his voice is
normal.
(4)
Difficulty in swallowing or inability to swallow.
(5)
Saliva pools in the pyriform sinuses.
Figure 4-12. Foreign bodies in the esophagus.
MD0582
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