Abstract
Introduction: Foreign body aspiration (FBA) is a life threating emergency at all ages but especially in childhood. Although wheezing, sudden cough and decreased breath sounds on one side consist the clinical triad, symptoms can be several due to the type, size and location of the foreign body. We are presenting FBAs admitted to our clinic in last 8 years.
Material-Method: 271 FBA suspected patients (ages between 2 months - 74 years-old, with 134 male and 182 under 2 years-old), admitted to Kocaeli University pediatric emergency and thoracic surgery clinics between 2005 - 2012. Rigid bronchoscopy performed to all under general anesthesia in theatre room. 47 patients were admitted in first 24 hours, and remaining after 24 hours. Physical examination, chest x-ray were performed to all and thorax CT to 32. FBA diagnosed in 226 patients. Foreign bodies removed were divided into two groups. Foods most commonly hazelnut, peanut, corn, sunflower seed were grouped as organic foreign bodies and needle, buckle, pen cap, pen spring, bead, cigarette filter etc. were inorganic. Organics were removed from 165 patients. Pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema which required drainage occured in two cases.
Discussion: FBA can be prevented, and the associated morbidity and mortality can be significantly reduced by educating the public regarding its potential dangers. All patients should be evaluated radiologically and bronchoscophy should be performed when it is not possible to rule out foreign body aspiration.
- © 2013 ERS