A Case of Pediatric Aspiration of a Metallic Spring

Prolonged retention of a foreign body after aspiration can lead to numerous respiratory complications. We present a case in which an unwitnessed aspiration of a metal spring by a child led to several months of unilateral wheezing and subsequent physical changes in his left mainstem bronchus. The prompt removal of an airway foreign body requires a high index of suspicion by the physician in order to facilitate proper workup to confirm the diagnosis, allow for prompt management, and minimize damage to the airway.