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Bronchial foreign bodies

A M Shivakumar1, Ashok S Naik, K Dillan Kumar Shetty

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, J.J.M. Medical Collge, Davangere, Karnataka, India.

Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|September 28, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Foreign body aspiration in children can lead to surgical emphysema, a rare complication. This study reports four cases of this serious condition, highlighting the need for clinical suspicion.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Thoracic Surgery
  • Emergency Medicine

Background:

  • Foreign body aspiration is a significant pediatric emergency with diverse clinical signs.
  • Surgical emphysema is a known complication of tracheostomy and penetrating neck injuries.
  • Emphysema resulting from bronchial foreign bodies is an uncommon occurrence.

Observation:

  • This report details four pediatric cases of surgical emphysema.
  • The emphysema was a direct consequence of foreign body aspiration into the tracheobronchial tree.
  • Clinical presentations varied, necessitating a high index of suspicion.

Findings:

  • Foreign body aspiration into the bronchus can lead to surgical emphysema.
  • This complication, while rare, presents a diagnostic challenge.
  • Prompt recognition and management are crucial for favorable outcomes.

Implications:

  • Clinicians must maintain a high suspicion for foreign body aspiration in children presenting with relevant symptoms.
  • Understanding the rare association between bronchial foreign bodies and surgical emphysema is vital for diagnosis.
  • This case series contributes to the literature on a rare but serious pediatric condition.

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