Foreign body aspiration in children

Hutchinson et al present five things to know about foreign body aspiration in children. In Canada, choking or suffocation accounts for about 40% of unintentional deaths among children younger than 1 year. Foreign body aspiration can result in either partial or complete airway obstruction. Findings of physical examination are variable and chest radiographs are normal in 30%-50% of patients with foreign body aspiration confirmed by endoscopy. Aspiration of batteries, peanuts and sharp objects warrants urgent consultation for surgical management. Rigid bronchoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosis and intervention.