Foreign bodies in the airways in children

Abstract

Foreign bodies (f.b.) in the airways are a constant problem in paediatric laryngological practice. The authors discuss the most frequent types of f.b., the most common locations of f. b. in the air passages, and signs and symptoms of f.b. in physical and radiological examination. The most common location is the main right bronchus, and the inferior lobar bronchus of the right lung. In the larynx, f.b. represent a particularly life-threatening situation. A child suspected of having f.b. in the air passages must be examined radiologically, and needs direct visualisation by bronchoscopy. The authors propose that for children younger than 4 years of age, a radiological examination of the thorax should be performed using a horizontal x - ray with the child lying on its side. Early bronchoscopy (within 48 hours from aspiration) reduces the frequency of subsequent complications.