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Updated: May 5, 2026

Handheld Metal Detector Screening for Metallic Foreign Body Ingestion in Children
Published on: September 11, 2018
Oesophageal foreign body: an unusual presentation
M Oyewole1, O Ajayi2, A Hilger2
1Department of Surgery, Hillingdon Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Uxbridge, UK.
Insights
A watch battery lodged in the esophagus caused respiratory issues in a child. Prompt diagnosis with chest X-rays is crucial for identifying esophageal foreign bodies and preventing complications.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Otolaryngology
- Radiology
Background:
- Esophageal foreign bodies are common in children.
- Ingestion of button batteries poses a significant risk due to potential caustic injury.
Observation:
- A 17-month-old child presented with recurrent upper respiratory tract symptoms.
- Initial presentations mimicked common childhood illnesses, delaying diagnosis.
Findings:
- Radiographic imaging revealed a watch battery lodged in the esophagus, compressing the trachea.
- Successful retrieval of the foreign body was achieved under general anesthesia.
Implications:
- Large esophageal foreign bodies can present with atypical respiratory symptoms.
- Anteroposterior and lateral chest radiography are essential for diagnosing esophageal impaction.
- Early recognition and intervention are critical to prevent airway compromise.
Objective:
This paper describes and discusses the case of an oesophageal foreign body, in which the patient presented with primarily respiratory clinical signs.
Case Report:
A 17-month-old child, who had ingested a watch battery, presented to emergency services on multiple occasions with upper respiratory tract symptoms. Subsequent radiographs showed the battery in the oesophagus impinging on the trachea. The battery was removed successfully under a general anaesthetic.
Conclusion:
Large oesophageal foreign bodies can impinge on the trachea causing upper respiratory tract signs. In such cases, anteroposterior and lateral chest films are imperative to make a correct diagnosis.
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