There are no constant physical signs associated with uncomplicated
impaction of a foreign body in the esophagus. Should perforation of
the cervical esophagus occur, subcutaneous emphysema, and perhaps
cellulitis, may be found; while a perforation of the thoracic region
causing mediastinitis is manifested by toxemia, fever, and rapid
sinking. Perforation of the pleura, with the development of
pyopneumothorax, is manifested by the usual signs. It is to be
emphasized that blind bouginage has no place in the diagnosis of any
esophageal condition. The roentgenologist will give the information we
desire without danger to the patient, and with far greater accuracy.
FOREIGN BODIES IN THE LARYNX
Laryngeally lodged foreign bodies produce a wheezing respiration, the
quality of which is peculiar to the larynx and is readily localized to
this organ. If swelling or the size of the foreign body be sufficient
to produce dyspnea, inspiratory indrawing of the suprasternal notch,
supraclavicular fossae, costal interspaces and lower sternum will be
present. Cyanosis is only an accompaniment of suddenly produced
dyspnea; the facies will therefore usually be anxious and pale, unless
the patient is seen immediately after the aspiration of the foreign
body. If labored breathing has been prolonged, and exhaustion
threatened, the heart's action will be irregular and weak. The foreign
body can be seen with the mirror, but a roentgenograph must
nevertheless be made, for the object may be of another nature than was
first thought. The roentgenograph will show its position, and from
this knowledge the plan of removal can be formulated. For example, a
straight pin may be so placed in the larynx that only a portion of its
shaft will be visible, the roentgenogram will tell where the head and
point are located, and which of these will be the more readily
disengaged. (See Chapter on Mechanical Problems.)
PHYSICAL SIGNS OF TRACHEAL FOREIGN BODY
If fixed in the trachea the only objective sign of foreign body may be
a wheezing respiration, the site of which may be localized with the
stethoscope, by the intensity of the sound. Movable foreign bodies may
produce a palpatory thrill, and the rumble and sudden stop can be
heard with the stethoscope and often with the naked ear. The lungs
will show equal aeration, but there may be marked dyspnea without the
indrawing of the fossae, if the object be of large size and located
below the manubrium.
To the peculiar sound of the sudden subglottic, expiratory or bechic
arrest of the foreign body the author has given the name "audible
slap;" when felt by the thumb on the trachea he calls it the
"palpatory thud." These signs can be produced by no condition other
than the arrest of some substance by the subglottic taper. Once heard
and felt they are unmistakable.
PHYSICAL SIGNS OF BRONCHIAL FOREIGN BODY
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