[Foreign bodies of the lower respiratory tract]
A B Ugrinović1, V B Djukić, L V Erdevicki
1Klinika za ORL i maksilofacijalnu hirurgiju, KC Srbije, Beograd.
Insights
Foreign body aspiration in young children is a significant cause of accidental death. Education is crucial for preventing these dangerous incidents, with grain-like objects being the most common culprits.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Accidental Injury Research
- Public Health
Context:
- Foreign body aspiration in the lower respiratory tract is a leading cause of accidental death in US children under six.
- A five-year study investigated 166 cases to understand incidence, common objects, demographics, and prevention strategies.
- The highest incidence (54.8%) was observed in children under three years old.
Purpose:
- To update knowledge on foreign body aspiration in contemporary society.
- To identify prevalent foreign body types, at-risk demographics, and causative factors.
- To analyze incidence trends and establish optimal prevention principles.
Summary:
- Cough (94.6%) and dyspnea (78.9%) were the predominant symptoms.
- Grain-based items (peanuts, walnuts, sunflower seeds) constituted 29.5% of aspirated objects.
- Rigid bronchoscopy identified foreign bodies in 48% of patients, primarily in the main bronchi; common complications included atelectasis and emphysema.
Impact:
- This study underscores the critical need for public awareness and education regarding the risks of foreign body aspiration in children.
- Findings highlight that conservative management via bronchoscopy is often sufficient, avoiding more invasive surgical procedures.
- Effective prevention strategies, centered on education, are paramount to reducing childhood mortality from this hazard.
Abstract:
Aspiration of foreign bodies of the lower respiratory tract is the most common cause of accidental death in children under 6 years of age in the United States. The aim of the study was to actualize the problem of foreign bodies in modern society, to determine the most common types of foreign body, who and why usually aspires foreign body, whether the incidence is changing, and to define principles for optimal prevention. During our five-year study, we had 166 cases of aspiration of foreign bodies of the lower respiratory tract. The incidence is highest in children under three years of age (54.8%). Cough (94.6%) and breathing difficulties (78.9%) were the dominated symptoms. The majority of aspirated objects were grain (peanuts, walnuts, sunflower seeds)--29.5%. Localization of foreign bodies was mainly in the right and left main bronchus, and the most common complications were atelectasis and emphysema. All patients had undergone a rigid upper tracheobronchoscopy and foreign body was found in 80 patients (48%). There was no need to perform neither tracheotomy, nor any further surgical treatment, as for example thoracotomy, in any patient. Good education is the best prevention.
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