Foreign body aspiration

Complications of foreign body aspiration can usually be prevented by prompt removal of the object using flexible or rigid bronchoscopy. However, retained foreign bodies can lead to lung destruction, occasionally requiring thoracotomy and resection.

Early complications of foreign body aspiration include asphyxia, cardiac arrest, laryngeal edema, and pneumomediastinum.[37]Pinto A, Scaglione M, Pinto F. Tracheobronchial aspiration of foreign bodies: current indications for emergency plain chest radiography. Radiol Med. 2006 Jun;111(4):497-506. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16779536?tool=bestpractice.com [77]Wong SC, Tariq SM. Cardiac arrest following foreign-body aspiration. Respir Care. 2011 Apr;56(4):527-9. https://www.doi.org/10.4187/respcare.00766 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21255495?tool=bestpractice.com Late complications include bronchiectasis, hemoptysis, bronchial stricture, and development of inflammatory polyps.[78]al-Majed SA, Ashour M, al-Mobeireek AF, et al. Overlooked inhaled foreign bodies: late sequelae and the likelihood of recovery. Respir Med. 1997 May;91(5):293-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9176648?tool=bestpractice.com With persistent lodgment, the object can migrate distally and cause complete obstruction and atelectasis.[8]Limper AH, Prakash UB. Tracheobronchial foreign bodies in adults. Ann Intern Med. 1990 Apr 15;112(8):604-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2327678?tool=bestpractice.com Follow-up bronchoscopy is warranted to monitor the resolution of the inflammatory changes after removal of the foreign body.