T18: Foreign body in alimentary tract

Foreign body in the alimentary tract refers to a group of conditions characterized by the accidental ingestion or insertion of foreign objects into the digestive system, which includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and intestines. This can be caused by a variety of circumstances, such as unintentional swallowing of food bones or other non-food items, or in children, curiosity often leads to ingestion of small toys or objects. The symptoms largely depend on the location, size, and nature of the foreign body. Some people may not experience any symptoms, while others might have pain, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, or other digestive issues. Serious complications may occur if the object is sharp, leading to the tearing, puncturing or blocking of the digestive tract. Over time, the foreign object may cause infection, inflammation, or even a potentially life-threatening condition called peritonitis if it penetrates the stomach or intestinal wall.