Swallowed Something by Mistake? Emergency Foreign Body Removal in Chandigarh

 

Swallowed Something by Mistake? Emergency Foreign Body Removal in Chandigarh


Emergency Foreign Body Removal Protocol

If you, or a child, have swallowed a foreign object, do not attempt home remedies like consuming bread or oil. This can worsen the situation.

The object is usually stuck in the esophagus (food pipe), creating a medical emergency. You must:

  1. Stay Calm and Fast: Do not eat or drink anything.

  2. Locate a Specialist Immediately: Time is critical, especially if it's a battery or a sharp object (like a bone).

  3. Seek Dr. Sandeep Pal: As a Gastroenterologist in Chandigarh, Dr. Sandeep Pal specializes in safe, non-surgical Endoscopic Foreign Body Removal.

1. When a Swallowed Object Becomes an Emergency

While many small, smooth objects (like coins or small toys) can pass safely into the stomach and exit naturally, certain objects pose an immediate threat and require emergency attention in the Tricity area.

Objects Requiring IMMEDIATE Intervention:

Object Type

Why It's Dangerous

Action Required

Button Batteries (Lithium Cells)

Even small, used batteries cause rapid chemical burns and severe tissue damage to the esophagus within 2 hours.

Immediate Emergency Call.

Sharp/Pointed Objects

Fish bones, chicken bones, pins, needles, or toothpicks.

Risk of perforating (puncturing) the esophagus or intestinal wall.

Large/Impacted Food

Large pieces of meat or fruit that cause complete blockage in the esophagus (known as food impaction).

Causes severe pain and prevents swallowing even saliva.

Objects Stuck in the Esophagus

If the patient feels pain, difficulty swallowing saliva, or vomiting, the object is likely stuck in the food pipe and must be removed quickly.


2. Recognizing the Symptoms of an Impacted Object

If you can see the person struggling, or if you yourself feel something stuck, watch for these key symptoms of esophageal blockage:

  • Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia): Inability to swallow food, water, or even your own saliva.

  • Pain: Sharp pain in the neck, chest, or behind the breastbone.

  • Gagging/Vomiting: Retching or throwing up food/saliva.

  • Drooling: Excessive saliva production because they cannot swallow it.

  • In Children: Refusing to eat, difficulty breathing, or persistent coughing.

3. The Solution: Endoscopic Foreign Body Removal

This procedure, performed by a trained Gastroenterologist like Dr. Sandeep Pal, is the safest and least invasive way to retrieve an object.

The Procedure Explained

  1. Diagnosis: An immediate X-ray is usually taken to confirm the location, size, and type of object.

  2. Endoscopy: The patient is given conscious sedation for comfort. Dr. Sandeep Pal then inserts a flexible endoscope through the mouth.

  3. Removal: Using specialized tools (like snares, grasping forceps, or retrieval baskets) attached to the endoscope, the doctor carefully grasps the object and removes it.

  4. No Surgery: This entire process avoids the need for general anesthesia or complex, invasive surgery.

4. Why Time and Specialist Choice Matter in Chandigarh

Foreign body ingestion is a critical situation where every minute counts, especially with dangerous objects like batteries.

  • Minimizing Damage: Quick removal of sharp objects prevents perforation, and quick removal of batteries prevents severe chemical burns.

  • Local Expertise: Seeking a qualified Gastroenterologist in the Chandigarh/Tricity area ensures the person performing the procedure has the specialized skills (DM qualification) needed for complex retrievals, optimizing success and safety. Dr. Sandeep Pal has extensive experience in these emergency procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What should I absolutely NOT do if I swallow a foreign object?

A: Do NOT induce vomiting. Do NOT eat bread or food to try and push the object down. These actions can lodge the object more firmly or tear the esophagus.

2. Can swallowed objects injure the stomach or intestines?

A: Yes, but less commonly. If the object is sharp, it can scratch or perforate the lower GI tract. If the object is stuck in the esophagus, it is an emergency because the esophagus is thinner and more vulnerable to damage.

3. Will I need surgery to remove the object?

A: In over 90% of cases handled by a skilled Gastroenterologist, surgery is not required. Endoscopic removal is successful, non-surgical, and requires minimal downtime.

4. How long does the removal procedure take?

A: Once sedation is administered, the removal procedure often takes less than 30 minutes, though total time spent at the clinic will be longer for preparation and recovery.

5. What if the object passes into the stomach?

A: Most smooth, non-toxic objects that reach the stomach will pass naturally within a few days. Dr. Sandeep Pal may advise waiting and monitoring the stool, but large or sharp items still require monitoring or removal.

6. Do I need an X-ray first?

A: Yes. An X-ray is usually the first step to confirm the object's presence, size, shape, and exact location before planning the endoscopic removal.

7. What kind of doctor handles this emergency in Chandigarh?

A: A qualified Gastroenterologist (DM or DNB) specializes in these endoscopic procedures. Emergency rooms often consult a Gastroenterologist for foreign body cases.

8. What kind of anesthesia is used?

A: Typically, conscious sedation is used. This allows the patient to be comfortable and deeply relaxed while the procedure is performed safely.

Don't Delay. Seek Emergency Specialist Care in Chandigarh.

If you or a loved one has swallowed a critical foreign object, time is the single most important factor. Rely on specialized expertise to ensure safe, non-surgical removal.

If you suspect ingestion of a battery, sharp object, or a food blockage, contact us immediately.

📞 Call Dr. Sandeep Pal's Emergency Clinic Line Today for immediate guidance and scheduling.

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