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Foreign object - inhaled or swallowed

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Definition:

If you breath a foreign object into the respiratory tract, it may become stuck and cause breathing problems, as well as inflammation and infection.

If swallowed, a foreign object may become stuck along the digestive tract.

See also: Choking

Alternative Names:

Obstructed airway; Blocked airway

Considerations:

These injuries can occur at any age, but are most common in children ages 1 to 3.

Causes:

Certain foods (nuts, seeds, popcorn) and small objects (buttons, beads) are easily inhaled by young children. Such objects may cause either partial or total airway blockage .

Coins, small toys, marbles, pins, screws, rocks, and anything else small enough for infants or toddlers to put in their mouths can be swallowed. If the object passes through the esophagus and into the stomach without getting stuck, it will probably pass through the entire digestive tract.

• Review Date: 7/18/2007
• Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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