Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026
Handheld Metal Detector Screening for Metallic Foreign Body Ingestion in Children
Published on: September 11, 2018
Foreign body aspiration in childhood: evaluation of diagnostic parameters
Sule Paksu1, Muhammet Sukru Paksu, Mehtap Kilic
1Department of Pediatrics, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey. sukrupaksu@yahoo.com
Insights
Foreign body aspiration (FBA) is a significant cause of childhood illness. A history of aspiration is the most reliable diagnostic indicator, more so than clinical symptoms or imaging alone.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Pulmonology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Foreign body aspiration (FBA) represents a critical, preventable cause of childhood mortality and morbidity.
- Understanding the clinical and radiological characteristics of FBA is essential for timely diagnosis and intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the clinical and radiological features of foreign body aspiration (FBA) in children.
- To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of various clinical and radiological parameters for FBA.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of medical records for 147 children with suspected FBA.
- Calculation of sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values for diagnostic parameters.
Main Results:
- The highest diagnostic value was observed for a history of aspiration (sensitivity 97%, PPV 89%, NPV 80%).
- The classic triad of FBA symptoms (cough, wheezing, decreased breath sounds) showed high specificity (85%) and PPV (78%) but low sensitivity (13%) and NPV (19%).
- Male children under 3 years old demonstrated a higher risk for FBA, with peak incidence at 18 months.
Conclusions:
- A history of aspiration is the most crucial factor in diagnosing FBA in children.
- Clinical symptoms and radiological findings alone lack sufficient specificity and sensitivity for definitive FBA diagnosis.
- Targeted vigilance is recommended for male children under 3 years due to their increased risk.
Background:
Foreign body aspiration (FBA) is one of the most important preventable causes of childhood mortality and morbidity.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to define the clinical and radiological features of FBA and investigate the diagnostic value of various parameters used to diagnose FBA.
Methods:
The medical records of 147 children who were admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of suspected FBA were examined. The sensitivity and specificity of the parameters used for the diagnosis of FBA and their predictive values were calculated.
Results:
Of the patients, 75.5% were younger than 3 years, and 61.2% were male. Peak incidence was found in 18 months. A negative bronchoscopy rate of 19.7% was found, and 92.6% of these patients were younger than 3 years. The parameter with the highest diagnostic value was the presence of aspiration history (the sensitivity and positive and negative predictive values were 97%, 89%, and 80%, respectively). No significant difference was found in the classic triad of FBA (sudden onset of cough, wheezing, and unilaterally decreased breath sounds) between patients with and without FBA. The specificity and positive predictive value of the classic triad were high, and the sensitivity and negative predictive value were low (85% and 78%, and 13% and 19%, respectively).
Conclusions:
Especially, male children younger than 3 years have an increased risk of FBA. Neither clinical symptoms nor the radiological findings alone are sufficiently specific and sensitive in diagnosing FBA. The most important factor for diagnosis is the presence of aspiration history.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
01:30Endoscopic Studies I: Bronchoscopy and Thoracoscopy
Bronchoscopy
Description
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that involves direct visualization of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. A flexible fiber optic or rigid bronchoscope is used to carry out the procedure. The fiber-optic bronchoscope is more frequently used due to...
01:20Sputum Studies II: Culture and Sensitivity
Sputum culture and sensitivity is a medical procedure used to diagnose bacterial infections in the respiratory tract and select the most appropriate antibiotics for treatment. This process involves analyzing sputum samples of thick and opaque secretions produced in the lungs and airways. These samples are collected from patients and then sent to the laboratory for analysis.
The test can identify various pathogens responsible for respiratory infections, including Streptococcus,...
01:26Sputum Studies I: Gram Stain, cytology, and Acid-fast smear and culture
Gram Stain
The Gram Stain is an integral part of sputum studies. It involves the staining of sputum, which permits...
01:27Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
Medical History
01:30Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...