Acute Hypercapnic Respiratory Failure from Foreign Body Aspiration in a 16-Month-Old: A Case Report

Acute hypercapnic respiratory failure secondary to foreign body aspiration is a rare but severe complication seen in pediatric patients. Foreign body aspiration is one of the leading causes of death in children and requires prompt intervention and stabilization when definitive bronchoscopy is not readily available.

We describe the case of a 16-month-old male who developed acute hypercapnic respiratory failure following the aspiration of a foreign body. On presentation to the emergency department, the child was in respiratory distress, appeared cyanotic, and had severely impaired oxygenation, all indicating respiratory failure. Initial management involved stabilization, advanced airway management, and ventilatory adjustments. Efficient communication with multiple specialists coordinated the appropriate transfer of the patient to a tertiary pediatric facility for bronchoscopy and ultimate successful foreign body removal without complications.

The report highlights challenges in the management of pediatric foreign body aspiration leading to severe hypercapnia, the importance of interdisciplinary coordination, and the management techniques used to stabilize the patient for safe transfer to a tertiary care center.