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Comparison of pediatric airway foreign bodies over fifty years
David R White1, Carlton J Zdanski, Amelia F Drake
1Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7070, USA.
Insights
Foreign body aspiration in children remains a concern, with organic materials like popcorn being common. Small toy parts also increased in later years, highlighting evolving risks in pediatric airway foreign bodies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Accidental Inhalation Injuries
Background:
- Foreign body inhalation is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in children.
- Early recognition and prevention are crucial for managing pediatric airway foreign bodies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the types of foreign bodies aspirated by young children over two distinct time periods.
- To identify any changes in the nature of aspirated foreign bodies in children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of bronchoscopically removed foreign bodies from children's airways.
- Comparison of data from 1955-1960 (26 cases) with data from 1999-2003 (27 cases).
Main Results:
- Organic foreign bodies were the most frequently aspirated type in both periods.
- Popcorn emerged as a common organic foreign body (15%) in the later period.
- An increase in the retrieval of small toy parts was observed in the more recent time frame.
Conclusions:
- The types of aspirated foreign bodies in children show remarkable similarities over decades.
- Specific trends, such as increased aspiration of popcorn and small toy parts, indicate evolving environmental risks for children.
Abstract:
Prevention and early recognition remain critical factors in the treatment of foreign body inhalation in children. Accidental inhalation of both organic and nonorganic foreign body material continues to be a cause of childhood morbidity and mortality. The University of North Carolina Department of Otolaryngology has collected foreign bodies acquired from the airways of young children since its inception in 1954. The authors reviewed 26 foreign bodies removed bronchoscopically from the airways of children during the years 1955 to 1960, and compared these to 27 foreign bodies collected from 1999 to 2003. Findings showed remarkable similarities in the types of foreign bodies aspirated. Organic foreign bodies were most commonly found. Differences existed in the type of organic foreign body aspirated, with popcorn being retrieved in 15% of cases during the later time period. Also, an increase in bronchoscopically removed small toy parts was found in the later group.
