Case series of foreign body aspiration in Paediatric Institute, Hospital Kuala Lumpur

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Pediatric Emergency Medicine
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Foreign body aspiration is a common pediatric emergency.
• Timely diagnosis and removal of aspirated foreign bodies are critical for preventing severe respiratory complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the clinical features and bronchoscopy findings in children with foreign body aspiration.
• To identify factors contributing to delayed diagnosis in pediatric foreign body aspiration cases.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case series analysis.
• Inclusion of pediatric patients diagnosed with foreign body aspiration.
• Review of clinical presentations, bronchoscopy results, and outcomes.

Main Results:

• Common symptoms included cough and dyspnea; unilateral auscultatory findings were universal.
• Radiographic findings frequently showed unilateral hyperinflation.
• Organic foreign bodies were most common, predominantly in the left bronchial tree.
• Pneumonia and airway edema were the most frequent complications.
• Delayed diagnosis occurred in 8 patients due to parental unawareness or missed diagnosis.

Conclusions:

• Foreign body aspiration in children presents with characteristic clinical and radiological signs.
• Organic materials are frequently aspirated, often into the left bronchus.
• Delayed diagnosis significantly increases the risk of severe complications, highlighting the need for increased parental and clinical awareness.