Who are at risk for foreign body ingestion?
- Eighty percent of foreign-body ingestions occur in children, whereas almost all foreign bodies inserted into the rectum are described in adults.
- Groups at increased risk for foreign-body ingestion include psychiatric patients, prisoners, and those who frequently and excessively use alcohol or sedative-hypnotic medications.
- Also at risk are older adult subjects, who may have poorly fitting dentures, impaired cognitive function resulting from medications, or dementia or dysphagia after stroke.
- Intentional ingestion of foreign objects is well described in smugglers of illicit drugs, jewelry, or other valuable items.