Comparative Review of Tracheobronchial Foreign Bodies in the Pediatric Age Group in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Objective: We aimed to identify the incidence of tracheobronchial foreign bodies in children in the Al Madinah region and compare it with results from other studies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective analysis conducted at the Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Department of Ohud Hospital in the Al Medina Al Mnoura Region, KSA. Patients who were admitted to our hospital over 5 years with a diagnosis of suspected foreign body (FB) inhalation and underwent bronchoscopy were included. Results: Of the 96 patients who were admitted and underwent bronchoscopy, 17 were excluded due to incomplete records. Ages ranged from 4 months to 13 years. Despite aspiration, bronchoscopy was negative in 24 patients. The duration from the onset of symptoms to bronchoscopy ranged from 1 h to over 1 month. The mean duration between aspiration and diagnosis was 19 days. The foreign bodies were mainly in the right main bronchus (in 26 patients), followed by the left main bronchus and trachea (11 each). The most common symptom was coughing, followed by choking and cyanosis. Conclusion: Bronchoscopy is the most effective diagnostic and therapeutic modality to prevent complications related to neglected FB aspiration. We recommend early referral to an appropriate hospital on suspicion or if symptoms persist. However, preventive measures through the media, parents, and general medical doctors remain the best means of protecting children.