Esophageal Foreign Body
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
AMBULATORY CARE:
An esophageal foreign body
is an object you swallowed that got stuck in your esophagus (throat). Examples include dental work and button batteries. A piece of food or a fish bone can also become stuck in your esophagus. Your risk increases if you wear dentures, have trouble swallowing, or have a narrow esophagus. You also have a higher risk if you eat fish that contains small bones.
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Common signs and symptoms of an esophageal foreign body:
- Pain when you swallow, difficulty swallowing, or a sore throat
- Drooling or vomiting
- Choking or gagging
- Chest pain, abdominal pain, or a feeling that something is in your throat
- A cough or noisy breathing
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) or have someone call if:
- You have chest or abdominal pain, or shortness of breath.
- You are choking.
Seek immediate care if:
- You have a fever.
- You have more pain when you swallow.
- You cannot stop vomiting.
- Your vomit is bloody.
- Your bowel movements are black or bloody.
Call your doctor if:
- You do not find the object in your bowel movement within 3 days.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
How an esophageal foreign body may be removed:
Your healthcare provider may choose to observe you for 24 hours or longer. Most objects pass through the digestive system on their own within 7 to 10 days. Objects that are small or smooth will often pass without a problem. You may need x-rays from time to time as you wait for the object to come out. Your provider may try to remove the object with any of the following:
- Forceps may be used to grab an object if your provider can see it in the back of your throat. Forceps also may be used to remove an object during endoscopy.
- Bougienage is a procedure used to push the object into your stomach. Your provider will insert a thin tube into your esophagus to widen it. This may be done if the object is smooth and likely to pass through your digestive system normally.
- A balloon catheter may be used to pull the object out of your esophagus. The catheter is a thin tube with a deflated balloon at the end. Your provider will insert the balloon catheter into your mouth or nose until it goes past the object. The balloon will then be inflated. This procedure may be done if the object is smooth or blunt.
- Surgery may be needed if the object cannot be removed another way.
Look for the object in your bowel movements:
Search for the dental work, battery, or other small, smooth object each time you have a bowel movement. Do not use laxatives or stool softeners. Do not force yourself to vomit.
If you swallowed another object:
- Do not stick your finger into your throat to try and remove an object. This could push the object even deeper.
- Do cough. You may be able to cough out the object.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
You may need to return for x-rays or other tests. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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