Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 20, 2026

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
14:39

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma

Published on: November 4, 2010

32.7K

Foreign Body Aspiration Presenting as Recurrent Bronchiolitis: Case Report

Lillybet Guilarte1, Gerardo Guilarte2, Lourdes Valdes-Fernandez1

  • 1Urgent Care Department, Nicklaus Children's Hospital, Miami, FL.

Journal of Pediatric Health Care : Official Publication of National Association of Pediatric Nurse Associates & Practitioners
|April 18, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Foreign body aspiration (FBA) in children often mimics common respiratory illnesses, leading to delayed diagnosis. Prompt recognition and intervention are crucial for preventing serious complications in pediatric emergencies.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Emergency Medicine
  • Pulmonology
  • Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

  • Foreign body aspiration (FBA) is a significant pediatric emergency.
  • Misdiagnosis is common due to overlapping symptoms with bronchiolitis, asthma, and pneumonia.
  • Persistent respiratory symptoms despite treatment warrant further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the diagnostic challenges associated with pediatric foreign body aspiration.
  • To emphasize the importance of clinical suspicion in persistent respiratory symptoms.
  • To underscore the need for early recognition and intervention in suspected FBA cases.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a toddler with recurrent wheezing and cough.
  • Evaluation involving history, physical examination, and imaging.
  • Diagnostic bronchoscopy for suspected airway obstruction.

Main Results:

  • Aspirated foreign body was confirmed and removed via bronchoscopy.
  • Initial symptoms were misattributed to common pediatric respiratory conditions.
  • Diagnostic process was initiated due to persistent symptoms and concern for airway obstruction.

Conclusions:

  • Foreign body aspiration presents diagnostic challenges in children.
  • Maintaining clinical suspicion is vital when pediatric respiratory symptoms do not resolve as expected.
  • Early recognition, appropriate imaging, and prompt bronchoscopic intervention are key to preventing complications.

Keywords:
Foreign body aspirationball-valve effectbronchiolitiscase reportwheezing

More Related Videos

Development of Obliterative Bronchiolitis in a Murine Model of Orthotopic Lung Transplantation10:01

Development of Obliterative Bronchiolitis in a Murine Model of Orthotopic Lung Transplantation

Published on: July 10, 2012

21.2K
Author Spotlight: Investigating the Key Factors of Obliterative Bronchiolitis After Lung Transplantation06:15

Author Spotlight: Investigating the Key Factors of Obliterative Bronchiolitis After Lung Transplantation

Published on: November 10, 2023

1.6K

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features01:24

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...
21
Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation01:17

Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation

In terms of human respiration, the act of expelling air, known as exhalation (or expiration), operates on the principle of pressure gradients. During expiration, the pressure within the lungs exceeds that of the surrounding atmosphere. Under normal conditions, quiet breathing involves passive exhalation and is free of muscular contractions. This is because the exhalation process is driven by the natural elastic recoil of the lungs and chest wall, both of which have an inherent tendency to...
5.3K
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations01:13

Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations

Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...
20
Asthma I: Introduction01:28

Asthma I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
16
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
1.4K
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
16