Answer: Anorexia nervosa was first described in 1874. Characteristically a disease of women and starting in adolescence, it can occur in men as well , and can have its onset as late as the third decade. The ultimate cause is unknown. It tends to occur in middle class young women and there may be family [...]

Answer: The term “eating disorder” usually refers to one of two types of behavior which are directed towards achieving excessive thinness. These are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Most recently, a third type has been generally recognized, compulsive overeating, which is related to the chronic cycle of weight gain and dieting. All three types of [...]

Answer: Yes. Glucagon given intravenously may be effective in meat impactions of the lower esophagus. Glucagon acts by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter. It does not appear to be effective in upper-or mid esophageal foreign bodies. It also does not affect peristalsis once the sphincter is relaxed. The weight of the object itself or the [...]

Answer: Esophageal perforation or abscess formation occurs in 0.6%- 1.0%, which is generally caused by sharp objects or prolonged impaction, or it is iatrogenically produced secondary to removal. Minor complications such as esophageal abrasions and lacerations occur in 1%. Airway obstruction usually occurs in children only when a large bolus is impacted, causing compression of [...]

Answer: Over 90% below the level of the cricopharyngeal muscle. The four most common areas are: At the level of the cricopharyngeal muscle At the level of the aortic arch and left mainstem bronchus At the esophageal gastric junction At pathologic sites of narrowing such as Zenker’s diverticulum and esophageal strictures

Answer: To ensure that the airway is clear and that the foreign body is not in the upper airway or trachea To rule out esophageal perforation, which is evidenced by presence of fever, subcutaneous air, severe chest pain on physical examination, pneumomediastinum on chest x-ray, or soft tissue air  on neck films.

Answer: The dilemma of a fish bone in the throat is whether the symptoms are caused by a retained foreign body or mucosal abrasion. Tenderness on palpation of the neck is an unreliable sign, whereas pooled secretions on laryngoscopy almost always are associated with a retained foreign body. Careful physician examination with visualization and removal [...]