Abstract
Inhalation of foreign body into the tracheobronchial tree is a medical emergency sometimes resulting into sudden death. The current mortality rate due to foreign body inhalation ranges from 0% to 1.8%. Children with or without positive history of aspiration were examined and diagnosis was made on the basis of history, clinical findings, radiological evaluation and strong index of suspicion. A review of 30 cases of suspected foreign body aspiration revealed, children between 6 months were found to be very vulnerable to aspiration. Majority of children were boys. 80% of the patients had positive history of inhalation. Only 50% of the patients presented immediately i.e. within 24 hours after aspiration. Common symptoms were cough and respiratory distress. Decreased air entry was the significant clinical sign (50%). Obstructive emphysema and mediastinal shift were found in the majority of cases (50%). Rigid bronchoscopy under general anaesthesia and patient ventilating using a jet ventilator is a very safe and effective technique.
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Sinha, V., Memon, R., Gupta, D. et al. Foreign body in tracheobronchial tree. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck S 59, 211–214 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12070-007-0063-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12070-007-0063-9