First aid In the best case, the child can cough up the foreign body himself. Vigorous coughing is the most effective way to expel the foreign body. At the same time, the child’s state of consciousness must always be observed. If ineffective cough and child is conscious: Place child in head-down and prone position on … Foreign Body Aspiration: Therapy
The history often presents as difficult or not as informative as desirable because the event was rarely observed or noticed. The anamnesis (medical history) represents an important component in the diagnosis of foreign body aspiration. If the child is not yet able to speak or is unable to speak meaningfully, the history is taken through … Foreign Body Aspiration: Medical History
Respiratory System (J00-J99) Bronchial asthma Bronchiectasis (synonym: bronchiectasis) – permanent irreversible saccular or cylindrical dilatation of the bronchi that may be congenital or acquired; symptoms: chronic cough with “mouthful expectoration” (large-volume triple-layered sputum: foam, mucus, and pus), fatigue, weight loss, and decreased exercise capacity Bronchiolitis – inflammation of the small branches of the bronchial tree, … Foreign Body Aspiration: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis
The following are the most important diseases or complications that may be contributed to by foreign body aspiration: Respiratory system (J00-J99) Aspiration pneumonia (pneumonia) – when the contaminated foreign body remains in the respiratory tract. Atelectasis (lack of ventilation of sections of the lungs). Bronchiectasis (synonym: bronchiectasis) – permanent irreversible saccular or cylindrical dilatation of … Foreign Body Aspiration: Complications
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body temperature, body weight, body height; furthermore: Inspection (viewing). Skin, mucous membranes Oral cavity Larynx (larynx) Pharynx (throat) Abdomen (abdomen) If the event was not observed but a small part is missed, the child’s ear … Foreign Body Aspiration: Examination
Therapeutic targets Foreign body extraction (removal of the foreign body) – see Medical Device Diagnostics. Avoidance of complications Therapy recommendations For chronic aspiration: Antibiotics: e.g. cefuroxime. Anti-inflammatory pretreatment: prednisolone: 2 mg/kg/d; for 3-5 days → facilitate extraction of the foreign body by decreasing inflammation and swelling in the foreign body bed In aspiration pneumonia (pneumonia … Foreign Body Aspiration: Drug Therapy
Mandatory medical device diagnostics. X-ray of the thorax (radiographic thorax/chest), in two planes: An aspirated foreign body is rarely seen on radiograph; radiographic signs are often absent, therefore: Watch for secondary signs such as hyperinflation, inadequate ventilation, and lateral difference! From bronchial position side differences arise! A valve mechanism with hyperinflation is manifested on the … Foreign Body Aspiration: Diagnostic Tests
Only in rare cases does an aspirated foreign body need to be removed by bronchotomy (surgical procedure to open the bronchus).
Prevention factors Batteries, button cells should be deposited inaccessible to children. In general, small parts where there is a risk of ingestion should not be stored within reach of children. Toys should be age-appropriate. Information from the manufacturer can be found on the toys or their packaging / instructions. Food should be offered with age … Foreign Body Aspiration: Prevention
Foreign body aspiration often goes unnoticed (asymptomatic) at first. Symptomatology depends on the type, nature, as well as location of the foreign body and how much time has elapsed between aspiration and diagnosis. The following symptoms and complaints may indicate foreign body aspiration: Leading symptoms Sudden onset of irritating cough attacksNote: If the foreign body … Foreign Body Aspiration: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs
Pathogenesis (development of disease) Foreign body aspiration primarily affects young children. They put objects in their mouths out of curiosity or accidentally during play, startle, gag, or take a deep breath, thereby aspirating (inhaling) the foreign body. Aspiration of a foreign body can lead to airway obstruction. This can be partial (partial) or complete. In … Foreign Body Aspiration: Causes
