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Foreign Bodies in the Throat.In most cases such bodies are soon expelled by the patient's own efforts in coughing ; in other cases they are lodged high up in the throat, and can readily be seen and removed by a bystander. There are instances, however, in which the body becomes firmly lodged at a point beyond the reach of any one who is not provided with proper instruments and the skill necessary to use them. The consequences vary in different cases ; sometimes the body is so situated as to prevent the entrance of the air to the lungs, and thus causes speedy suffocation; in other cases, the substance produces no immediately serious effects, but induces in time an ulceration in either the oesophagus or the windpipe, which may result fatally. The final result cannot be predicted in any case ; instances are known in which a foreign body has ulcerated through the oesophagus and has found its way into a distant part of the body, without causing the patient serious illness. In every case it should be borne in mind that the patient is sometimes deceived by his own sensations, and that no foreign body has remained in the oesophagus or the windpipe, although the individual may be firmly convinced to that effect. Instances are known in which surgeons have been induced to perform serious operations for the removal of supposed bodies which actually had no existence ; one of the most famous of the world's surgeons, Nelaton, of Paris, made numerous unsuccessful efforts to remove a body which he was led to suppose was a foreign substance in the throat, but which he afterwards ascertained was merely the tongue-bone (hyoid-bone). It may be well in every case for the friends to examine the throat so far as they can, since it is sometimes possible to remove very easily bodies which occasion the patient great annoyance, and even endanger his life. The mouth should be opened and carefully inspected, attention being particularly directed to the space just behind the tonsils and behind the root of the tongue. If nothing is detected, the forefinger may be passed into the mouth and swept around the throat regardless of the patient's gagging and efforts to vomit. It is sometimes possible to dislodge foreign substances, such as lumps of meat and the like, by this simple maneuver. If relief is not obtained in this way, an emetic may be administered, provided the patient can swallow ; a teaspoonful of mustard or of common salt dissolved in a glass of warm water should be swallowed. The act of vomiting sometimes serves to dislodge particles and to eject them from the throat, thus securing to the patient immediate relief. If these means fail, the matter must be left in the hands of a surgeon, since the extraction of foreign bodies from the throat is one of the most difficult and delicate operations which the surgeon is called upon to perform. In many cases, however, the case terminates before it is possible to procure the serv'ces of a medical man. The foreign body is ejected or the patient dies of suffocation in a few minutes. It seems scarcely necessary to remark that in order to avoid such accidents, care should be taken not to take a deep breath nor laugh while the mouth is full of food. But first, if you want to come back to this web site again, just add it to your bookmarks or favorites now! Then you'll find it easy! Also, please consider sharing our helpful website with your online friends.
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