FOREIGN BODIES ASPIRATION IN CHILDREN

Abstract

Foreign body aspiration of airways is very dangerous and sometimes fatal. Early diagnosis and rapid management is vital. The goal of this study was to determine the clinical characteristics, radiologic findings and the results of bronchoscopic treatment of children due to foreign body aspiration of airways. Medical records of 101 bronchoscopic proven foreign body inhalators were reviewed in Ghods children hospital an affiliate to Ghazvin Medical University from 1995 to 2005. All of foreign bodies were removed with a rigid bronchoscope under general anesthesia. Patients were analyzed for age, sex, symptoms, clinical manifestation, radiologic findings and results of bronchoscopic removal. Data were analyzed with statistical methods. There were 66 (65.3%) boys and 35 (34.7%) girls. The male to female ratio was 1.8:1. Their ages ranged from 9 months to 12 years and the mean was 44.5 ± 37 months. 73 (72.3%) of children were less than 3 years old. A clinical history of foreign body inhalation was obtained in 58(57.4%). The most frequent symptoms and physical findings were cough 91(90%), wheezing 40(39.6%) and decreased of pulmonary sounds 37(36.6%). 24(23.8%) of children had abnormal chest radiography. 86(85.1%) of the foreign bodies were of vegetative origin. Roasted seeds, almond and walnut were the most common. In 51(50.4%) of the cases the foreign bodies were located in the right bronchial tree. The mortality was 1(0.9%). This study revealed that the most common signs and symptoms of foreign body aspiration are cough, wheezing and decreased breath sounds. For definitive diagnosis bronchoscopy is necessary.