Airway Foreign Body in Children

Abstract

Introduction: Foreign body aspiration is not uncommon in children. It can beassociated with significant morbidity and mortality. This study aims todetermine and analyze the characteristics of local pediatrics airway foreignbody (FB) aspiration. Methods: A retrospective study of medical records from KK hospital(1997-2010) is done. Patient demographics, clinical/investigative findings,duration of hospitalization and complications are analyzed. Results: The sampleconsisted of 26 patients (eight months - 13 years of age), who underwent rigidbronchoscopy for FB removal over the last 13 years. Seventy-seven percent werethree years of age or younger. Peak incidence (61.6%) was at one to two yearsof age. Nineteen were males and seven were females. The top three clinicalpresentations were: cough (61.5%), choking (46.2%) and wheezing (42.3%).Decreased air entry (34.6%), tachypnea (26.9%) and no significant findings(23.1%) were the most common features on physical examination. The most commonradiographic findings were consolidation (30.8%), presence of a foreign body(23.1%) and no abnormality (23.1%). Aspiration was primarily into the rightmain bronchus (38.5%), and 61.5% of the FB was organic in nature [principallypeanuts (38.5%)]. Mean hospitalization duration was three days. Delayeddiagnose in three cases were secondary to mis-diagnoses as croup (n = two) andrespiratory tract infection (n = one). Complications were noted in eight cases(30.8%). There was no mortality. Conclusion: High index of suspicion is required in diagnosing airway FB. Physician’sdiagnostic acumen is vital in prompt successful treatment. Heightening public’sawareness is the key to prevention of pediatrics FB aspiration.