Foreign body aspiration

Question 1

Steps for suspected foreign body aspiration if high risk vs low risk?

Answer 1

First x-ray. Then, if high risk (ie, if there are respiratory or obstructive symptoms, or if object was button battery, magnet, or sharp item), endoscopic removal. If low risk, serial x rays, and if object moving distally, then no intervention (if not moving, endoscopic removal)

Question 2

What is the clinical presentation of foreign body aspiration in a child under 2 years old?

Answer 2

Acute-onset respiratory distress

Question 3

What are characteristic lung findings in a child with foreign body aspiration?

Answer 3

Unilateral hyperresonance in one lung

Or

Unilateral atelectasis + ipsilateral tracheal shift

Question 4

What procedure is indicated for diagnosing foreign body aspiration?

Answer 4

Bronchoscopy or fiberoptic examination of the airways