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Published on: November 11, 2020
Progressive Age-Related Increase in the Risk of Foreign Body Airway Obstruction: A Descriptive Study Based on LIFE
Ryosuke Uemura1,2, Yutaka Igarashi3, Tatsuya Norii4
1Department of Health Care Administration and Management, Kyushu University Graduate School of Medical Sciences.
Journal of Epidemiology
|August 3, 2026
Summary
Foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO) disproportionately affects the elderly. This study reveals a significantly higher incidence in older age groups, highlighting the need for targeted prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Previous foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO) research focused on emergency care settings.
- Epidemiological data on FBAO in the general population, including non-emergency cases, is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and characteristics of clinically managed FBAO.
- To analyze FBAO trends using Japanese medical claims data.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective observational study utilizing claims data from public health insurance enrollees.
- Analysis of FBAO cases from April 2020 to March 2024 across 16 municipalities.
- Calculation of age-stratified and age-adjusted incidence rates.
Main Results:
- 1,123 FBAO cases identified, with a median age of 84 years.
- High rates of cardiac arrest on arrival (46.1%) and mortality (45.9%) within the same month.
- Incidence rates increased with age, showing a 17-fold higher risk in individuals aged ≥95 compared to 65-69 years.
- Age-adjusted incidence rate was 6.68 per 100,000 person-years.
Conclusions:
- FBAO risk is significantly elevated in advanced age groups.
- Urgent need for FBAO prevention and management strategies tailored to the elderly population.
- Claims data provides valuable insights into the broader epidemiology of FBAO.
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