reign substance of
solid, liquid or gaseous nature, from the animal, vegetable, or
mineral kingdoms. Its origin may be from within the body (blood, pus,
secretion, broncholiths, sequestra, worms); introduced from without by
way of the natural passages (aspirated or swallowed objects); or it
may enter by penetration (bullet, dart, drainage tube from the neck).

_Prophylaxis_.--If one put into his mouth nothing but food, foreign
body accidents would be rare. The habit of holding tacks, pins and
whatnot in the mouth is quite universal and deplorable. Children are
prone to follow the bad example of their elders. No small objects such
as safety pins, buttons, and coins should be left within a baby's
reach; children should be watched and taught not to place things in
their mouths. Mothers should be specially cautioned not to give nuts
or nut candy of any kind to a child whose powers of mastication are
imperfect, because the molar teeth are not erupted. It might be made a
dictum that: "No child under 3 years of age should be allowed to eat
nuts, unless ground finely as in peanut butter." Digital efforts at
removal of foreign bodies frequently force the object downward, or may
hook it forward into the larynx, whereas if not meddled with digitally
the intruder might be spat out. Before general anesthesia the mouth
should be searched for loose teeth, removable dentures, etc., and all
unconscious individuals should be likewise examined. When working in
the mouth precautions should be taken against the possible inhalation
or swallowing of loose objects or instruments.

[126] Objects that have lodged in the esophagus, larynx, trachea, or
bronchi should be endoscopically removed.

_Foreign Bodies in the Insane_.--Foreign bodies may be introduced
voluntarily and in great numbers by the insane. Hysterical individuals
may assert the presence of a foreign body, or may even volitionally
swallow or aspirate objects. It is a mistake to do a bronchoscopy in
order to cure by suggestion the delusion of foreign body presence.
Such "cures" are ephemeral.

_Foreign Bodies in the Stomach_.--Gastroscopy is indicated in cases of
a foreign body that refuses to pass after a month or two. Foreign
bodies in very large numbers in the stomach, as in the insane, may be
removed by gastrostomy.

_The symptomatology of foreign bodies_ may be epitomized as given
below; but it must be kept in mind, that certain symptoms may not be
manifest immediately aft