Foreign body aspiration in children: our pediatric tertiary care experience

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Purpose Inhalation of a foreign body is a real emergency in pediatric age, and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to reduce mortality. The objective of this study is to analyze the clinical and radiological details, types and localization of foreign bodies in patients conducted or to our hospital with suspected inhalation. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of all cases of foreign body inhalation admitted to our Pediatric Emergency Room between January 2009 and June 2022. Results 171 patients were included in the study. In 83 patients the FB was detected. The mean age of presentation was 2,3 years (SD: ±2). Cough (73%) and unilateral reduced breath sound (51%) were the most common clinical symptom and clinical sign. The most frequent localization was the right main bronchus (43%). The foreign bodies retrieved were vegetable (83%), of which peanut was the most common. Chest radiographs were normal in 25%. The mean duration of hospitalization was 5 days (+/- 2,9). Complications such as pneumothorax were seen in two cases. Conclusions Foreign body inhalation represents a true pediatric emergency and still a challenge in clinical practice. The best way to manage it is an early diagnosis and removal by fully trained staff.