Inhaled foreign bodies in adolescents and adults

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Respiratory Medicine
• Medical Device Technology

Background:

• Inhaled foreign bodies are a significant concern, particularly in pediatric populations, but also occur in adults.
• Management of inhaled foreign bodies in an adult respiratory unit requires careful consideration of patient demographics, inhalation circumstances, and retrieval techniques.
• Complications and challenges associated with bronchoscopic removal necessitate a thorough understanding of available procedures and equipment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the management strategies for inhaled foreign bodies in adult patients.
• To identify factors contributing to inhalation, associated complications, and difficulties during bronchoscopic retrieval.
• To assess the efficacy of flexible versus rigid bronchoscopy in managing adult foreign body aspirations.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of all inhaled foreign body cases presenting to an adult respiratory medical unit over a 12-year period (1991-2003).

Main Results:

• The study included 8 adult patients, with 5 teenagers and 3 individuals over 55 years old.
• Older patients frequently aspirated food particles and had co-morbidities, leading to common pulmonary complications.
• Flexible bronchoscopy was the primary retrieval method, though rigid bronchoscopy was required in one case due to instrument failure; retrieval difficulties were frequently encountered.

Conclusions:

• Flexible bronchoscopy is effective for most inhaled foreign bodies in adolescents and adults.
• Availability of rigid bronchoscopy is crucial as a backup for complex cases.
• Pulmonary complications are prevalent post-inhalation, particularly in older adults, and late presentation or foreign body location can impede successful bronchoscopic removal.