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Pediatric Otolaryngology

(1028) Foreign Concepts in Esophageal Foreign Bodies in Children: A Health Knowledge Study

Monday, September 30, 2024
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EDT
Disclosure(s):
Nicole Crimi, MD: No relevant relationships to disclose.


Introduction: Foreign body (FB) ingestion is a common problem in children with potentially severe consequences requiring urgent surgical management. This study aims to assess public knowledge of pediatric FB ingestion, prevention, risks, and management.

Methods: A knowledge-based survey regarding FB ingestion in children was distributed online from November 2023-January 2024. Collected data included preventative household safety measures, recognition, perception of object danger, and FB ingestion management.

Results: In total, 447 respondents completed the survey. Only 48% of respondents indicated that they stored dangerous objects away from children, despite 95% knowing that swallowing a non-food FB could cause serious injury or death. Additionally, 68% indicated that they did not know what symptoms to look for if a child ingested a FB. On a scale of 1-5, with 1 being not dangerous and 5 being the most dangerous object, button batteries were ranked as the most dangerous, followed by high-powered magnets, and small sharp objects, with mean scores of 4.5, 4.4, and 4.3 respectively. Appropriate management strategies of FB ingestion (rapid recognition and transport to hospital) were indicated in 72% of responses. Just 16% indicated that they would try to remove a FB with their fingers or Heimlich maneuver. Notably, 49% of respondents knew to give honey for button battery ingestions. A portion of 14% of participants responded that they never formally learned about the risks of FB ingestion, and 84% of respondents indicated that they would like to learn more about FB ingestion in children.

Conclusions: FB ingestion in children poses a significant public health concern and this study reveals significant gaps in public knowledge regarding safety and preventative measures. By directing public health initiatives toward filling these knowledge voids, there is potential to significantly reduce the prevalence and impact of ingestion incidents in children.