Foreign Body

Overview

A foreign body refers to any object that enters the body and is not meant to be there, either by swallowing (ingestion), breathing into the airway (inhalation), or accidental insertion into body openings such as the nose, ear, or skin.

Foreign body incidents are common in both children and adults and can range from minor discomfort to life-threatening emergencies, especially when the airway is involved.

Immediate medical attention is essential in cases where the foreign object causes breathing difficulty, pain, bleeding, or blockage.

At Moolchand, emergency teams are equipped to manage foreign body cases with advanced endoscopy, bronchoscopy, and surgical support. As a trusted Moolchand Hospital Delhi and a leading multi super speciality hospital in Delhi, the hospital provides 24/7 emergency care and specialist support.

Types of Foreign Body

Foreign bodies can affect different parts of the body:

Airway (Inhalation)

Objects inhaled into the windpipe or lungs, causing breathing difficulty.

Gastrointestinal Tract (Ingestion)

Objects swallowed and lodged in the food pipe, stomach, or intestines.

Ear and Nose

Common in children, where small objects may be inserted into the nose or ear.

Skin or Soft Tissue

Objects embedded under the skin due to injury.

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the location of the foreign body.

Airway Symptoms

• Sudden choking
• Difficulty breathing
• Wheezing or coughing
• Cyanosis (bluish skin)

Digestive Tract Symptoms

• Difficulty swallowing
• Chest or throat pain
• Vomiting
• Drooling
• Abdominal pain

Ear/Nose Symptoms

• Pain or irritation
• Discharge or bleeding
• Hearing loss or nasal blockage

Causes

Foreign body incidents may occur due to:

• Accidental swallowing of small objects (coins, toys, bones)
• Inhalation during eating or playing
• Children inserting objects into nose or ears
• Trauma leading to embedded objects
• Medical or dental procedures (rare cases)

Risk Factors

Certain groups are more at risk:

• Young children
• Elderly individuals
• Patients with swallowing disorders
• Individuals with neurological conditions
• People eating quickly or talking while eating

When Should You See a Doctor?

Seek immediate medical care if:

• There is choking or breathing difficulty
• The person cannot swallow or is drooling
• Severe pain or bleeding is present
• The object is sharp, large, or toxic
• Symptoms persist after suspected ingestion

Foreign body in the airway is a medical emergency.

Diagnosis

Doctors evaluate foreign body cases using:

• Physical examination
• X-rays to detect radiopaque objects
• CT scan in complex cases
• Endoscopy or bronchoscopy for visualization and removal

At Moolchand Hospital Lajpat Nagar, advanced imaging and endoscopic facilities enable quick diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment and Management

Treatment depends on the type and location of the foreign body.

Emergency Airway Management

Immediate removal using specialized techniques if airway is blocked.

Endoscopic Removal

Flexible or rigid endoscopy is used to remove objects from the digestive tract.

Bronchoscopy

Used for removing objects from the airway.

Minor Procedures

Objects in the ear or nose can often be removed with simple instruments.

Surgical Removal

Required in rare cases where endoscopic methods are not effective.

At Moolchand, multidisciplinary teams ensure safe and effective foreign body removal with minimal complications.

Possible Complications

If not treated promptly, foreign body cases may lead to:

• Airway obstruction
• Infection
• Internal injury or perforation
• Bleeding
• Long-term damage to organs

Early intervention significantly reduces risks.

Prevention

Preventive measures include:

• Keeping small objects away from children
• Avoiding talking or laughing while eating
• Proper chewing of food
• Supervision of children during play
• Awareness in high-risk individuals

Why Choose Moolchand?

Patients trust Moolchand Hospital Delhi for emergency care because of:

• 24/7 emergency services
• Experienced ENT, gastroenterology, and surgical specialists
• Advanced endoscopy and bronchoscopy facilities
• Rapid-response critical care teams
• Comprehensive pediatric and adult care
• Trusted services at a leading emergency hospital in Delhi

For patients searching for a hospital near Lajpat Nagar or hospitals in Lajpat Nagar, Moolchand provides expert emergency care for foreign body cases.