Foreign Body Aspiration

Foreign Body aspiration occurs when an object is accidentally inhaled into a person’s airways. This usually results in an obstruction of a specific area of the respiratory tract, such as the

larynx

, the

trachea

, or the

bronchi

. Children under the age of three are most likely to experience a foreign body aspiration, although it can happen at any age
Foreign body aspiration can be a life-threatening emergency. An aspirated solid or semisolid object may lodge in the

larynx

or

trachea

.
Symptoms

Cough with mucus or without mucus

  • With bloody mucus

  • Lasting 3 weeks or less

common

Noise while breathing

common

Excessive saliva flowing

common

Abnormally rapid breathing

common

Difficulty breathing

  • Rapidly developing

Whistling breathing

Bluish discoloration of the skin

Risk factors

Alcohol consumption

or Drug or substance abuse

Neurogenic or psychiatric conditions

Treatment
Bronchoscopy is the standard method for the removal of an aspirated foreign body. An anesthesiologist puts the child into a deep sleep and then topical lidocaine spray is used to further anesthetize the child's larynx.
Recommended specialist

If you have Foreign Body Aspiration, then a visit to an ENT specialist is highly recommended.

Contact an

ENT specialist

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