Epidemiology

Global incidence of foreign body aspiration among children ages <5 years decreased from 164 per 100,000 to 110 per 100,000 during the period 1990-2019.[6]

The risk of foreign body aspiration is higher in older people, especially in and after the seventh decade, probably due to the higher prevalence of age-associated degenerative neurologic and cerebrovascular disorders that can cause dysphagia and/or impaired cough reflex.[4][7][8]​​ Studies indicate that more than 50% of patients with acute food asphyxiation are ages 71-90 years.[9]

In the US in 2022, unintentional suffocation (including obstruction of the respiratory tract by a foreign object) accounted for 10% (n=124) of all deaths resulting from unintentional injury in children ages 1-4 years.[10] Death by unintentional suffocation was less common among people ages 15-65 years (1.3% [n=1928] of all deaths resulting from unintentional injury; 2022 data), but more prevalent in people ages 66-84 years (6.3% [n=2796]; 2022 data).[10]

Deaths due to object-related aspiration in children and adolescents (<18 years) decreased from 1.02 per 100,000 children (719 deaths) in the US in 1968 to 0.25 per 100,000 children (184 deaths) in 2017.[11]

Aspiration of food and liquids is more common in patients:[7]

  • With oropharyngeal dysphagia (especially when due to stroke or cervical spine surgery)

  • Who are older taking sedative medications

  • Fed by gastric tube

  • Dependent on others for feeding

  • Who currently smoke

  • Taking more than eight medications

Aspiration of teeth and dental devices is more common in the elderly; children may aspirate a deciduous (primary) tooth.[12]

Serious complications subsequent to aspiration occur in 20% of low-income and 10% of high-income countries.[13]​ There is a lack of awareness in parents and clinicians in terms of recognizing choking risks.

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