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Prophylaxis

Categories: FOREIGN BODIES IN THE AIR AND FOOD PASSAGES
Sources: A Manual Of Peroral Endoscopy And Laryngeal Surgery

If one put into his mouth nothing but food, foreign

body accidents would be rare. The habit of holding tacks, pins and

whatnot in the mouth is quite universal and deplorable. Children are

prone to follow the bad example of their elders. No small objects such

as safety pins, buttons, and coins should be left within a baby's

reach; children should be watched and taught not to place things in

their mouths. Mothers should
e specially cautioned not to give nuts

or nut candy of any kind to a child whose powers of mastication are

imperfect, because the molar teeth are not erupted. It might be made a

dictum that: No child under 3 years of age should be allowed to eat

nuts, unless ground finely as in peanut butter. Digital efforts at

removal of foreign bodies frequently force the object downward, or may

hook it forward into the larynx, whereas if not meddled with digitally

the intruder might be spat out. Before general anesthesia the mouth

should be searched for loose teeth, removable dentures, etc., and all

unconscious individuals should be likewise examined. When working in

the mouth precautions should be taken against the possible inhalation

or swallowing of loose objects or instruments.



[126] Objects that have lodged in the esophagus, larynx, trachea, or

bronchi should be endoscopically removed.



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