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Published on: September 11, 2018

Frequency of tracheobronchial foreign bodies in children and adolescents

M A Siddiqui1, A H Banjar, S M Al-Najjar

  • 1Thoracic Surgery Unit, Al-Noor Specialist Hospital, Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Medical Journal
|September 5, 2001
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Foreign body aspiration is a significant risk, especially for young children. Bronchoscopy is crucial for diagnosis and treatment, even with unclear symptoms, to prevent serious complications.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Research
  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Emergency Medicine

Background:

  • Foreign body aspiration poses a significant health risk, particularly in pediatric populations.
  • Community-based studies are essential for understanding the epidemiology and management of this condition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the incidence and characteristics of foreign body aspiration in a specific community.
  • To evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic efficacy of bronchoscopy in suspected cases.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing bronchoscopy for suspected tracheobronchial foreign bodies.
  • Data collection over a 3-year period (May 1996-May 1999) at Al-Noor Specialist Hospital, Makkah.

Main Results:

  • 94 patients (62 male, 32 female) aged 4 months to 45 years were studied; 85% of children were under 5.
  • Foreign bodies were successfully removed in 64% of patients via bronchoscopy.
  • Alfalfa (Lucerne) seeds were the most common aspirated foreign body, accounting for over one-third of cases.

Conclusions:

  • A negative history, clinical examination, or chest X-ray does not rule out foreign body aspiration.
  • Bronchoscopy is the most effective method for diagnosis and treatment, preventing complications.
  • Early referral and preventive measures are critical for managing foreign body aspiration effectively.

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