Gastrointestinal foreign bodies (GIFBs) are a frequent issue seen by gastroenterologists, with most cases resolving without significant clinical complications.  The ingestion of true foreign bodies ( non food) tends to be more frequent in children and rarely occurs in aduls, and in this group is common to see pyschiatric disorder or developmental delay. There has been also multiple reports of prisioners ingesting objects to seek secondary gain (such as temporary leaving prison)

In adults, instead of foreign body ingestion, esophageal food bolus impaction is more common, with an estimated annual incidence of 13-16/100000 people. 

This group used to be adults in their 40s or 50s, but now is becoming increasingly common in younger individuals due to the rising incidence of eosinophilic esophagitis.  Dietary habits based on culture and region also influence the types of GIFBs. In Asian countries and along the Pacific Rim, fish bone injuries are prevalent, whereas in the United States, food-related impactions, particularly from meats such as hot dogs, pork, beef, and chicken, are more frequent.

Despite the rarity of fatal outcomes, GIFBs can still cause severe complications. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the patients at risk, the appropriate diagnostic approaches, and the treatment options for GIFBs, as well as how to manage any complications.

Epidemiology

Children, particularly those aged 6 months to 3 years, who account for 80% of such cases.  Most commonly swallowed objects by children include coins, marbles, small toys, crayons, nails, and pins.

Adults can also experience accidental ingestion, often due to a loss of tactile sensation during swallowing, particularly in those wearing dentures or dental covers. Ingesting dentures by mistake is not uncommon . Additionally, adults with altered mental states—such as the elderly, those with dementia, or individuals under the influence of substances—are at higher risk for accidental ingestion.  

Let´s  not forger  iatrogenic foreign bodies as a factor  due to complications from capsule endoscopy, migrated stents (esophageal, enteral, or biliary), and displaced enteral access tubes and bolsters.

 The majority (75% to 100%) of patients with esophageal food impaction have underlying esophageal conditions, such as peptic strictures, Schatzki’s rings, or eosinophilic esophagitis, the latter becoming increasingly prevalent. Other causes include altered surgical anatomy following procedures such as esophagectomy, fundoplication, or bariatric surgery. Rarely, esophageal cancer may also present as an acute food bolus impaction.