Management of ingested foreign bodies in children

Abstract

This paper reviews the presentation, diagnosis, and management of ingested foreign bodies in children. It may help primary care physicians to recognize the wide spectrum of presentations of ingested foreign bodies in children, therefore emphasizing considering ingested foreign bodies in the differential diagnosis of many respiratory and vague gastrointestinal complaints. It also proposes an approach to handling asymptomatic children with foreign body ingestion and points out certain types of foreign bodies that require special consideration.