Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 26, 2026

The Bovine Lung in Biomedical Research: Visually Guided Bronchoscopy, Intrabronchial Inoculation and In Vivo Sampling Techniques
Published on: July 3, 2014
[Tracheobronchial foreign bodies]
Insights
Inhaled foreign bodies (FB) in children require prompt diagnosis and removal to prevent serious respiratory issues like bronchiectasis. While rigid bronchoscopy is standard, flexible bronchoscopy can be effective in select pediatric FB cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Otolaryngology
- Emergency Medicine
Context:
- Inhaled foreign bodies (FB) are a common pediatric emergency.
- Timely diagnosis and intervention are crucial to prevent long-term respiratory complications.
Purpose:
- To review clinical data, radiologic findings, and complications of inhaled foreign bodies in children.
- To discuss current diagnostic and management strategies, including the role of flexible and rigid bronchoscopy.
- To emphasize the importance of prevention and education for families and healthcare providers.
Summary:
- A review of 40 pediatric cases of inhaled foreign bodies (FB) over three years.
- Details on FB nature, size, clinical presentation, radiologic findings, and complications.
- Flexible bronchoscopy can be a useful diagnostic tool and, in some cases, a method for FB removal, though rigid bronchoscopy under general anesthesia remains the primary extraction technique.
Impact:
- Highlights the potential for flexible bronchoscopy in pediatric FB removal, offering a less invasive option in select cases.
- Underscores the urgency of diagnosis and treatment to prevent sequelae such as bronchiectasis.
- Stresses the need for increased awareness and preventative measures among the public and medical community regarding inhalation hazards.
Abstract:
Forty cases of children with an inhaled foreign body (FB) are reviewed over a three-year period. Clinical data, radiologic findings and complications are detailed. The nature and size of FBs are also reported. Diagnosis and management are discussed according to the most recent studies in the literature. Diagnostic flexible bronchoscopy is a useful first step when the diagnosis is unclear (i.e., choking history, unexplained respiratory symptoms), but FB removal is usually not possible during this procedure. Extraction is performed via the rigid bronchoscope under general anesthesia. However, FB could be removed with the flexible bronchoscope in five children in our study. Diagnosis and removal of an inhaled FB are required as quickly as possible in order to prevent respiratory sequelae (bronchiectasis). Prevention is based upon information to be given to families, but to the medical community as well, which often minimizes the seriousness of inhalation hazards.
Related Concept Videos
Trachea
Anatomical Features:
Location: About half of the trachea is situated in the neck, anterior to the esophagus, and extends from the larynx (at the level of the...
The Bronchial Tree
The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, is a tube that connects the larynx (voice box) to the bronchi. At a point called the carina, it bifurcates into two primary bronchi. The right primary bronchus is wider, shorter, and more vertical than the left primary...
Anatomy of Respiratory System II: Lower Respiratory Tract
The Larynx
It is located between the pharynx and the trachea, acts as a passageway for air, and hosts several critical structures, such as the epiglottis, vocal cords, and glottis. The epiglottis acts as a gateway, guiding food to the...
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract IV: Auscultation
Breath Sounds
Breath sounds are categorized into vesicular, bronchovesicular, and bronchial.
Oxygen Delivering System III: Tracheostomy and T-piece
Tracheostomy
A tracheostomy is a surgically created opening (stoma) in the anterior part of the trachea. It is used to establish a patient airway, bypass an upper airway obstruction, simplify the removal of secretions, permit long-term...
Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract

