Foreign body aspiration when an object is accidentally inhaled into the airways. It occurs very commonly in children less than 4 years olds. Since toddlers explore everything by putting it in their mouths, they tend to jump and run with food in their mouths and their airways protective mechanisms are not very well developed, they are at high-risk of foreign body aspiration. It can be a serious medical emergency, especially in young children and elderly adults as the object can obstruct the airway, leading to difficulty breathing, choking, or even death if not promptly treated.

Symptoms:

1. – Sudden onset of coughing or wheezing
2. – Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
3. – Stridor (a high-pitched, wheezing sound)
4. – Cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin, particularly around the lips and face)
5. – Prolonged cough not responding to medicines

Diagnosis: Diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies like X-rays and a flexible bronchoscopy. While Xrays and CT scans are not routinely recommended in children suspected to have FB aspiration, flexible bronchoscopy is diagnostic and the most important test for diagnosis. Flexible bronchoscopy is a procedure using a flexible tube with a camera to view the airways.

Treatment:

Immediate intervention: If a person is choking and cannot breathe, immediate actions like back blows and abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) are critical.

Medical treatment: A pulmonologist removes the foreign body from the airway using a flexible bronchoscope. In large FB, or deep seated FB, sharp objects like nails, pins etc a rigid bronchoscopy under general anesthesia may be required.

Post-removal care: Monitoring and treatment for any complications, such as infections or damage to the airways, is important.

Foreign Body aspirations are preventable. Keep nuts, small objects, small toys out of reach from your children.