Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 24, 2025
Author Spotlight: Oral Candida Diagnosis to Advance Clinical Treatment Regimen for pSS Patients
Published on: March 1, 2024
Something's "Fishy" With That Sore Throat
Michael Sweeney1, Denise R Ramponi
1Chestnut Hill Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Insights
A sore throat in a child may indicate an esophageal foreign body, like a fishbone. Early and thorough history taking is crucial for diagnosing subtle cases of ingested foreign bodies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Gastroenterology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Sore throat is a common pediatric complaint, often attributed to pharyngitis.
- Esophageal foreign bodies can present with non-specific symptoms, delaying diagnosis.
Observation:
- A 9-year-old male presented with a sore throat, initially suspected as pharyngitis.
- No signs of airway compromise (stridor, hypoxia, aphonia) or excessive salivation (sialorrhea) were present.
- Further history revealed a concern for a possible esophageal foreign body.
Findings:
- Imaging studies confirmed a fishbone lodged in the esophagus.
- The presentation was atypical, lacking classic foreign body ingestion signs.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of detailed history taking in pediatric emergency evaluations.
- Subtle findings on assessment and imaging are critical for identifying esophageal foreign bodies.
- Prompt diagnosis and removal of esophageal foreign bodies prevent serious complications.
Abstract:
A 9-year old male presented to the emergency department for the evaluation of a sore throat. Initial history of present illness stated in the triage note was that "the child complained of a sore throat," suggesting possible pharyngitis. There was no evidence of stridor, sialorrhea, hypoxia, or aphonia. Further investigation of the history of present illness identified the concern for a possible esophageal foreign body. Imaging studies of the neck identified a fishbone in the esophagus. This case presentation discusses an atypical presentation of an esophageal foreign body and the subtle findings on assessment and imaging. This case highlights the importance of illiciting a history of present illness and the subtleties of esophageal foreign body identification.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Acute Pharyngitis
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
01:30Tonsillitis I: Introduction
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
01:23Chronic Pharyngitis
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
01:26Tonsillitis II: Management
01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Classification of Asthma
01:25Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD: