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Published on: September 11, 2018
Foreign body aspiration in a child
Line Norman Kvenshagen1, Guro Grindheim2, Jens Kristian Stene-Johansen3
1Barne- og ungdomsklinikken, Sykehuset Østfold Kalnes.
Insights
Foreign body aspiration, such as almond fragments, can cause severe respiratory distress in young children. Prompt bronchoscopy is crucial for diagnosis and removal, preventing life-threatening complications.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Emergency Medicine
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Foreign body aspiration is a significant cause of mortality in children under 3.
- Early symptoms can mimic common respiratory illnesses like pneumonia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the critical role of considering foreign body aspiration in pediatric respiratory emergencies.
- To present a case of life-threatening respiratory compromise due to inhaled almond fragments.
Main Methods:
- A case presentation of a 2-year-old child with acute respiratory distress.
- Diagnostic evaluation including bronchoscopy for foreign body removal.
Main Results:
- Bronchoscopy revealed and removed almond fragments.
- The child's respiratory status improved after foreign body removal.
Conclusions:
- Foreign body aspiration should be strongly considered in children with unexplained respiratory distress.
- Timely bronchoscopy is essential for managing such critical cases.
Background:
Aspiration of a foreign body can lead to a fatal outcome, especially in children younger than 3 years of age.
Case Presentation:
A healthy 2-year-old child was admitted to the emergency unit due to cough and respiratory distress. They were admitted to the paediatric ward with a tentative diagnosis of pneumonia. Atter some hours, the child deteriorated, showing severe respiratory compromise. Non-invasive respiratory support and inhalation therapy were ineffective. The child was intubated, but mechanical ventilation was not feasible due to hypercapnia. Bronchoscopy was carried out and several foreign bodies were removed. Visual examination revealed fragments of almonds. The child was discharged from hospital after 12 days.
Interpretation:
The child underwent aspiration. After intubation, the almonds may have caused a ball-valve effect, leading to the life-threatening situation. It is important to consider a foreign body as a potential cause of abnormal respiratory symptoms in children.
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