Pediatric airway foreign body

Abstract

Foreign body aspiration in the pediatric population is a potentially life-threatening emergency that carries both diagnostic and management challenges. Children often present after a witnessed aspiration or choking event. For those children who are asymptomatic or have nonspecific findings, clinical symptoms, chest radiography and a thorough physical examination are critical for diagnosis. A reasonable suspicion of foreign body aspiration warrants a bronchoscopy. This article focuses on the management of pediatric airway foreign bodies, including the initial evaluation, preparation, and treatment approach.