Foreign body aspiration

Foreign body aspiration is characterised by inhalation of a foreign body into the larynx and respiratory tract.

Acute symptoms include sudden onset of respiratory distress associated with coughing, gagging, or stridor. Unilateral wheezing suggests partial obstruction of the main or distal bronchi. Longer-term symptoms can include development of atelectasis, nodules, abscesses, and cavities.

Major causes of foreign body aspiration are altered mental status from alcohol or sedative use, seizure, neurological disorders, trauma associated with a decreased level of consciousness, dental procedures, advanced or young age, and disorders associated with dysphagia and impaired cough reflex.

Flexible bronchoscopy confirms suspected cases of foreign body aspiration and can be used to attempt removal of the foreign body. Rigid bronchoscopy is performed if flexible bronchoscopy fails.

Foreign body aspiration is the inhalation of a foreign body into the larynx and respiratory tract.[1]Marik PE. Aspiration pneumonitis and aspiration pneumonia. N Engl J Med. 2001 Mar 1;344(9):665-71. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11228282?tool=bestpractice.com [Figure caption and citation for the preceding image starts]: Loquat seed completely occluding the bronchus intermediusFrom the collection of Dr Septimiu Murgu and Dr Henri Colt; used with permission [Citation ends].