Esophageal foreign body (EFB)

  • View:
    Lateral

  • Defining characteristics:
    An abnormal opacity has been identified in the esophagus or the esophageal region.

  • Common differential diagnoses:
    Foreign body present in the esophagus, esophageal mass

  • Helpful additional data:
    Do we know what the patient swallowed, how long ago?

  • Commonly associated diagnostics:
    Consider contrast study/barium swallow

  • Commonly associated treatments:
    Consider sedation if the patient is distressed, discuss removal of the foreign body

  • Commonly associated home care:
    Monitor for regurgitation, vomiting, and laboured breathing