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Laryngeal foreign bodies in children revisited

Robert G Berkowitz1, Wye-Keat Lim

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology, Royal Children's Hospital, and University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.

The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology
|November 1, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Delayed diagnosis of inhaled laryngeal foreign bodies in children can lead to complications. Prompt endoscopic evaluation is crucial for effective management and improved outcomes in pediatric airway emergencies.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Otolaryngology
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Pediatric Airway Management

Background:

  • Inhaled laryngeal foreign bodies pose a significant risk to children.
  • Timely diagnosis and intervention are critical for preventing airway obstruction and associated morbidity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review institutional experience with pediatric inhaled laryngeal foreign bodies.
  • To identify factors associated with delayed diagnosis and complications.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of pediatric admissions with laryngeal foreign bodies (March 1989-March 2002).
  • Inclusion criteria: diagnosis confirmed by endoscopy under general anesthesia.
  • Exclusion criteria: cases not undergoing endoscopy (e.g., expired on arrival).

Main Results:

  • Nine pediatric cases identified (age range: 5 months to 13 years 9 months).
  • Foreign body removal within 24 hours in 4 children with witnessed choking.
  • Delayed diagnosis (4 days to 2 months) in 5 children, including 2 with initially missed choking history.
  • One complication (laryngeal edema requiring intubation) occurred in a delayed diagnosis case.

Conclusions:

  • Delayed diagnosis of laryngeal foreign bodies in children increases complication risk.
  • Endoscopic confirmation is essential for accurate diagnosis.
  • Early recognition and intervention improve pediatric airway foreign body outcomes.

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