Foreign body ingestion and inhalation in pediatric age: Our experience at a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Foreign bodies in aero digestive tract is a common emergency in pediatric age group. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 156 patients of foreign bodies in aero digestive tract over a period of 2 years from January 2016 to December 2017. RESULTS: Out of 156 patients, foreign body in esophagus was found in 111 patients with age range from 6 months to 12 years. Fifty-six patients (50%) belonged to 3-5 years age group. Coin was found in most of the patients which constitutes 61(55%) patients. Majority of the foreign bodies got impacted in cricopharynx. Of all the patients, 45 had foreign body in airway with age ranging from 6 months to 12 years. Peanuts were found in majority of cases, constituting 20% and right bronchus was mostly affected. One patient of foreign body ingestion expired. CONCLUSION: Early detection and referral to a well-equipped center can prevent mortality and morbidity.