Common Causes of Foreign Body Lodgement

• Accidental swallowing of food items (fish/chicken bones, meat pieces)
• Children swallowing small objects (coins, toys, beads)
• Elderly patients or denture wearers swallowing dental plates accidentally
• Adults swallowing sharp or metallic objects accidentally
• Patients with swallowing disorders (dysphagia)

Symptoms of a Stuck Foreign Body

• Sensation of something stuck in the throat
• Painful swallowing (odynophagia)
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Persistent cough or choking episodes
• Drooling or inability to swallow saliva (urgent sign)
• Breathing difficulty or noisy breathing (emergency)

Techniques for Removing Foreign Bodies

1. Throat Examination & Removal Under Local Anaesthesia

Used for fish bones or small objects stuck in the tonsils, base of tongue, or throat. A tongue depressor and forceps help remove the object quickly.

2. Flexible Endoscopic Removal

A flexible nasoendoscope is used to visualise and extract foreign bodies lodged in the hypopharynx or upper oesophagus.

3. Rigid Oesophagoscopy Under General Anaesthesia

The gold standard for removing large, sharp, or deeply lodged objects in the oesophagus. A rigid oesophagoscope ensures safe removal without injury.

4. Emergency Airway Management (If Needed)

In severe cases where breathing is compromised, immediate airway stabilisation (e.g., intubation or tracheostomy) may be required before removal.

How the Doctor Identifies the Foreign Body

• Clinical examination of the throat
• Flexible laryngoscopy or nasoendoscopy
• X-rays for metallic or radiopaque foreign bodies
• CT scan in complex cases or suspected complications

Possible Complications if Not Removed

• Injury or perforation of the throat or oesophagus
• Airway obstruction or respiratory distress
• Infection or abscess formation
• Bleeding or aspiration into the lungs

Aftercare Following Removal

• Soft diet for 24–48 hours if throat is sore
• Avoid swallowing large or sharp-edged foods temporarily
• Take antibiotics or painkillers only if prescribed
• Report immediately if pain increases, fever develops, or swallowing becomes difficult

Why Choose Dr. Shrekha Padmakshan?

With extensive ENT experience, Dr. Shrekha Padmakshan ensures safe and precise removal of throat and oesophageal foreign bodies with minimal discomfort.

• Expertise in both flexible and rigid endoscopic removal techniques
• Immediate emergency care for airway-compromised patients
• Advanced imaging & diagnostic support for accurate localisation
• Comprehensive post-procedure care and monitoring

If you or someone you know has swallowed or got something stuck in the throat or oesophagus, seek urgent medical care. Timely removal prevents complications and ensures safe recovery.