Airway Foreign Bodies in Children

Abstract

Foreign body aspiration occurs frequently and is a leading cause of pediatric morbidity. At the time of presentation for care, children may be asymptomatic. A high index of suspicion is therefore needed to make the diagnosis. Radiography may aid in establishing the diagnosis but cannot exclude a radiolucent airway foreign body. Bronchoscopy remains the definitive method for diagnosis and the therapy of choice for removal of airway foreign bodies.