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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

Esophageal foreign body: a case presentation

N M Heiss1, K G Baker, F A Martin

  • 1Northwest Arkansas Family Practice Residency, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Fayetteville 72703, USA.

The Journal of Family Practice
|November 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

A pediatric case report highlights a 10-month-old experiencing respiratory issues and gastrointestinal distress due to esophageal foreign body ingestion. Prompt removal of a penny led to symptom resolution, underscoring risks in high-risk parenting.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Foreign body ingestion is a common pediatric emergency.
  • Esophageal obstruction can lead to severe respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms.
  • Identifying risk factors is crucial for prevention and timely intervention.

Observation:

  • A 10-month-old infant presented with a month of respiratory symptoms, followed by fever, poor feeding, vomiting, and weight loss.
  • Radiographic imaging revealed a metallic foreign body (a penny) obstructing the proximal esophagus.
  • The child's parents had intellectual disabilities, presenting a high-risk parenting situation.

Findings:

  • Esophagoscopy successfully removed the esophageal foreign body (penny).
  • Immediate resolution of gastrointestinal symptoms and subsequent resolution of respiratory symptoms were observed post-removal.
  • The case underscores the link between high-risk parenting and pediatric foreign body ingestion.

Implications:

  • Early diagnosis and endoscopic removal are effective for aerodigestive foreign bodies.
  • High-risk parenting situations require increased vigilance for potential pediatric ingestions.
  • This case emphasizes the importance of considering environmental and social factors in pediatric foreign body cases.

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