Foreign body aspiration in children: our pediatric tertiary care experience
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In brief
In brief
This retrospective study of 171 pediatric patients over 13 years found foreign bodies in 83 cases, most commonly peanuts lodged in the right main bronchus. Early diagnosis and prompt bronchoscopic removal by trained staff are critical, as chest radiographs were normal in 25% of cases despite confirmed aspiration.
- Foreign body aspiration most commonly occurs in children around age 2-3 years, requiring high clinical suspicion in this age group.
- Cough (73%) and unilateral reduced breath sounds (51%) are the most reliable clinical indicators of foreign body aspiration.
- Normal chest radiographs occur in 25% of cases—clinical suspicion should drive bronchoscopy, not imaging alone.
- Peanuts and other vegetable matter account for 83% of aspirated foreign bodies, with right main bronchus the most common site.
- Early bronchoscopic removal by experienced staff minimizes complications and reduces hospitalization (mean 5 days in this series).
Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.
Abstract
Purpose
Inhalation of a foreign body is a real emergency in pediatric age and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to reduce mortality. The objective of this study is to analyze clinical and radiological details, types, and localization of foreign bodies in patients conducted or to our hospital with suspected inhalation.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective analysis of all cases of foreign body inhalation admitted to our Pediatric Emergency Room between January 2009 and June 2022.
Results
171 patients were included in the study. In 83 patients, the FB was detected. The mean age of presentation was 2.3 years (SD: ± 2). Cough (73%) and unilateral reduced breath sound (51%) were the most common clinical symptom and clinical sign. The most frequent localization was the right main bronchus (43%). The foreign bodies retrieved were vegetable (83%), of which peanut was the most common. Chest radiographs were normal in 25%. The mean duration of hospitalization was 5 days (± 2.9). Complications such as pneumothorax were seen in two cases.
Conclusions
Foreign body inhalation represents a true pediatric emergency and still a challenge in clinical practice.
The best way to manage it is an early diagnosis and removal by fully trained staff.