Esophageal food impaction in children

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 29, 2026

Handheld Metal Detector Screening for Metallic Foreign Body Ingestion in Children
04:55

Handheld Metal Detector Screening for Metallic Foreign Body Ingestion in Children

Published on: September 11, 2018

Jimmy Lao1, Howard E Bostwick, Stuart Berezin

  • 1Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, New York Medical College, Munger Pavilion, Room 101, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA.

Pediatric Emergency Care
|December 17, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric esophageal food impaction (EFI) rarely involves anatomic issues. Esophagitis and motility disorders may contribute, and endoscopic removal is the recommended safe and effective treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Background:

  • Esophageal food impaction (EFI) is uncommon in children.
  • Understanding EFI's presentation and outcomes in pediatric populations is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings (radiographic, endoscopic, manometric), and outcomes of pediatric EFI.
  • To identify potential underlying etiologies and evaluate treatment efficacy.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 12 pediatric patients with EFI over a 10-year period.
  • Analysis of clinical data, endoscopic findings, and radiographic/manometric results.

Main Results:

  • Most pediatric EFI cases presented to the emergency department.
  • Endoscopic removal was required in 11 of 12 patients; spontaneous resolution was rare.
  • Esophageal strictures or webs were uncommon; esophagitis and motility abnormalities were noted in some patients.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric EFI is typically not linked to structural esophageal abnormalities.
  • Esophagitis and esophageal motility disorders may be contributing factors.
  • Endoscopic removal is a safe and effective treatment for pediatric EFI, with a low likelihood of spontaneous resolution.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management01:26

Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management

Patients with esophageal strictures often experience a range of symptoms. Initially, they may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, which can progress to include liquids. Additional symptoms may involve chest pain or discomfort, regurgitating food and fluids, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, coughing or choking during meals, and hoarseness.
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction01:30

Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction

Esophageal strictures involve abnormal narrowing or tightening of the esophagus. They vary in length and severity, ranging from mild constriction to complete obstruction, and are classified as benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
Esophageal Achalasia01:27

Esophageal Achalasia

Esophageal achalasia is a chronic neurogenic disorder characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and absent or ineffective peristalsis in the distal esophagus. This leads to a functional obstruction without a physical blockage, despite significant disruption of esophageal motility.EtiologyAchalasia is caused by degeneration of the myenteric (Auerbach's) plexus, specifically the loss of inhibitory ganglion cells that produce vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)...
Pyloric Obstruction01:11

Pyloric Obstruction

Pyloric obstruction, also referred to as gastric outlet obstruction, is a condition characterized by narrowing or blockage at the pylorus—the muscular valve regulating the flow of stomach contents into the duodenum. When this passage becomes impaired, the stomach cannot effectively empty its contents into the small intestine. This disruption leads to a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including early satiety, bloating, epigastric pain, postprandial nausea, persistent vomiting, and...
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:28

Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Esophageal perforations manifest in various clinical forms, influenced by factors such as the perforation's cause and location (cervical, intrathoracic, or intra-abdominal), the extent of contamination, and potential injury to adjacent mediastinal structures. The timing between the perforation occurrence and treatment initiation also affects the clinical presentation.
Clinical Manifestations:
Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction01:22

Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction

Esophageal perforation is a severe medical condition characterized by a breach in the integrity of the esophageal wall. This breach can occur due to various factors such as trauma, medical procedures, or underlying diseases. When the esophageal wall is compromised, it allows food, fluids, and digestive juices into the chest cavity or adjacent structures, leading to potential complications and health risks.
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus.