Final answer:
Complications of esophageal foreign bodies can indeed include perforation, aspiration, and infection. These are serious health risks due to the potential for a tear in the esophagus, inhalation into the lungs, or bacterial invasion following damage to the esophagus.
Step-by-step explanation:
The claim that possible complications of esophageal foreign bodies include perforation, aspiration, and infection is indeed true. If a foreign object is stuck in the esophagus, it can cause a tear or hole in the esophageal wall, known as a perforation, which is a serious condition that could even lead to a potentially life-threatening infection called mediastinitis. Aspiration can occur if the foreign body is accidentally inhaled into the airways, leading to choking, or more serious consequences such as aspiration pneumonia. Infection can also arise if the foreign body causes damage to the esophageal lining, making it prone to invasion by bacteria or fungi.
The esophagus is an essential component of the upper GI tract, providing a path for the bolus of food to move from the pharynx to the stomach through coordinated movements called peristalsis. The gastro-esophageal sphincter located at the stomach end of the esophagus plays an important role in preventing the contents of the stomach from backing up into the esophagus; when this function is disrupted, conditions such as acid reflux can occur.