Foreign body aspirations in children
Hüseyin İLHAN
Eskişehir Osmangazi Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Çocuk Cerrahisi Anabilim Dalı, Eskişehir
Keywords: children, airway foreign body, aspiration, bronchoscopy
Abstract
Foreign body aspiration (FBA) is the common problem during childhood. Complete or partial obstruction of the airway causes different signs and findings. Sudden onset of cough, wheezing and decreased breath sounds are the most common signs and symptoms of FBA. Physical examination and radiologic findings are of great importance in the evaluation of these patients. As clinical and radiological findings of FBA in delayed cases may mimic other disorders such as bronchiolitis, laryngitis. The presence of any clinical and radiologic finding suggests that endoscopy should be performed, as a foreign body is probable. Rigid bronchoscopy is the modality of choice in extracting foreign bodies. Routine preventive measures must be taught to parents and caregivers in order to reduce the incidence.