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What are the symptoms of swallowing a foreign object?

Nov 24, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Yuhong
Introduction
Ingestion of foreign bodies generally presents with symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, sore throat, coughing, shortness of breath, retrosternal discomfort, and gastrointestinal bleeding. A detailed analysis is as follows: Difficulty swallowing—when a foreign body becomes lodged at a narrowed portion of the esophagus, it obstructs the passage of food, causing a distinct sensation of blockage during swallowing. This is particularly noticeable when eating solid foods and may be accompanied by regurgitation of food.

Generally, ingestion of foreign bodies can cause symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, sore throat, coughing, shortness of breath, retrosternal discomfort, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Difficulty swallowing: When a foreign body becomes lodged in a narrowed portion of the esophagus, it obstructs the passage of food, causing a distinct sensation of blockage during swallowing—especially noticeable when eating solid foods—and may be accompanied by regurgitation of food.

2. Sore throat: The foreign body may irritate the pharyngeal mucosa, triggering a local inflammatory response that leads to persistent throat pain, which worsens during swallowing. This may also be associated with throat swelling or hoarseness.

3. Coughing and shortness of breath: If the foreign body enters the trachea or bronchi, it stimulates the respiratory mucosa, causing severe coughing in an attempt to expel the object. A large foreign body may obstruct the airway, leading to breathing difficulties, wheezing, or even suffocation.

4. Retrosternal discomfort: When a foreign body is lodged in the middle or lower esophagus, it may compress surrounding tissues or nerves, causing pain or a feeling of fullness behind the breastbone, with pain possibly radiating to the back or shoulders.

5. Gastrointestinal bleeding: Sharp foreign bodies may lacerate the esophageal or gastric mucosa, potentially causing gastrointestinal bleeding, manifested as hematemesis (vomiting blood) or melena (black, tarry stools). Significant bleeding may lead to anemia or shock.

After discovering ingestion of a foreign body, the person should immediately stop eating and avoid forceful swallowing or induced vomiting. Prompt medical evaluation is essential to determine the location and nature of the foreign body so that timely removal measures can be taken.

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