Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 24, 2026

Guidelines for Elective Pediatric Fiberoptic Intubation
11:19

Guidelines for Elective Pediatric Fiberoptic Intubation

Published on: January 17, 2011

Aspirated foreign bodies in children

C C Sanford

    American Family Physician
    |September 1, 1979
    PubMed

    Insights

    Children aged six months to four years are most vulnerable to aspirating foreign bodies. Early recognition of choking or coughing after object contact is crucial for timely intervention and reduced complications.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatrics
    • Emergency Medicine
    • Otolaryngology

    Background:

    • Foreign body aspiration is a significant risk for young children.
    • Prompt diagnosis and management are essential to prevent severe outcomes.

    Observation:

    • Coughing after potential exposure to small objects is a key indicator.
    • Symptoms range from acute choking to chronic cough or wheezing.
    • Chest X-rays are normal in up to 50% of affected children.

    Findings:

    • Clinical presentation is variable, often mimicking other respiratory conditions.
    • Diagnostic challenges arise due to non-specific symptoms and normal imaging.
    • Foreign body characteristics (location, size) dictate treatment urgency.

    Implications:

    • A high index of suspicion is vital for early detection in at-risk children.
    • Preventive measures are critical to reduce the incidence of aspiration.
    • Timely and appropriate therapy can significantly decrease associated morbidity and mortality.

    More Related Videos

    Murine Oropharyngeal Aspiration Model of Ventilator-associated and Hospital-acquired Bacterial Pneumonia04:32

    Murine Oropharyngeal Aspiration Model of Ventilator-associated and Hospital-acquired Bacterial Pneumonia

    Published on: June 28, 2018

    Handheld Metal Detector Screening for Metallic Foreign Body Ingestion in Children04:55

    Handheld Metal Detector Screening for Metallic Foreign Body Ingestion in Children

    Published on: September 11, 2018

    Related Concept Videos

    Assessment of Respiration01:23

    Assessment of Respiration

    The respiratory system's basic structures and primary functions lay the foundation for nurses' comprehensive respiratory assessments. This assessment includes subjective and objective data to gauge the patient's respiratory health.
    Subjective Assessment: Nurses interview the patient to gather information directly during the subjective assessment. It includes questions about the individual's medical history, medications, and symptoms, focusing on past respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD,...
    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...
    Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract IV: Auscultation01:28

    Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract IV: Auscultation

    Auscultation is a crucial component of the physical assessment of the respiratory tract. It offers valuable insights into airflow through the bronchial tree and potential lung obstructions. This process involves careful listening to breath, voice, and adventitious sounds, which can reveal a wealth of information about a patient's respiratory health.
    Breath Sounds
    Breath sounds are categorized into vesicular, bronchovesicular, and bronchial.
    Respiratory System Abnormal Finding I: Inspection and Percussion01:30

    Respiratory System Abnormal Finding I: Inspection and Percussion

    Respiratory system abnormalities are a significant concern in healthcare due to their potential to indicate underlying severe conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, and pneumonia. These abnormalities can often be detected through physical examination methods like inspection and percussion.
    Inspection Findings
    During an inspection, several findings may suggest the presence of respiratory distress or disease. Pursed-lip breathing, where exhalation is slowed by...
    Respiratory System Abnormal Finding II: Palpation and Auscultation01:31

    Respiratory System Abnormal Finding II: Palpation and Auscultation

    In assessing respiratory abnormalities, palpation and auscultation are critical tools for detecting and interpreting various pathophysiological changes. These techniques provide insight into underlying disorders by evaluating tactile sensations and sounds produced by the respiratory system.
    Palpation Findings
    During a respiratory assessment, palpation can reveal several vital abnormalities:
    Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis01:26

    Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis

    Thoracentesis(Thoracocentesis), commonly known as pleural tap, is a medical procedure where a 22 gauge needle is inserted into the pleural space, the area between the lung and chest wall. This procedure is commonly performed to diagnose or treat various respiratory disorders.
    Description
    Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...