Pediatric Airway Foreign Body Aspiration: A 5-Year Retrospective Analyses of Rigid Bronchoscopy Treatment

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Emergency Medicine
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Pediatric airway foreign body aspiration (PAFBA) is a critical cause of illness and death in children under three.
• This study examines PAFBA's clinical features, common foreign body types, treatment strategies, associated complications, and seasonal patterns over five years.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the clinical presentations, types of foreign bodies, management approaches, and outcomes of pediatric airway foreign body aspiration.
• To identify seasonal trends and risk factors associated with PAFBA in children.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of 237 patients under 17 years old with suspected PAFBA was performed.
• Data collected from June 2019 to June 2023 included patient demographics, presenting symptoms, imaging results, and bronchoscopy findings.

Main Results:

• The median age of affected children was 3.5 years, with a male predominance (1.34:1 ratio).
• Common symptoms included cough and breathing difficulties; 67.5% of aspirations were witnessed.
• Rigid bronchoscopy confirmed foreign bodies in 69.6% of cases, with sunflower seeds and scarf pins being most frequent. The right main bronchus was the most common impaction site. Spring season showed the highest incidence.
• Complications were infrequent, with a mortality rate of 1.2%.

Conclusions:

• Urgent diagnosis and management via rigid bronchoscopy are essential for pediatric airway foreign body aspiration.
• Enhanced family education and preventive strategies are crucial, especially during peak seasons for PAFBA.