Foreign Body Aspiration

Etiology

Lack of child monitoring

Suppression of gag reflex

Weak epiglottis function

Pathophysiology

Children are usually lacking of molar teeth which sufficiently chew the food

Lack of sufficient chewing of the food

Children also tend to examine an object using their mouths

As the object is placed on the mouth, suddenly running will dislodge this object to the airway therefore blocking airflow

Clinical Signs & Symptoms

Fever

Nasal Flaring

Retractions

Wheezing

hemoptysis

Tachycardia and tachypnea

Diagnostic Tests

Chest radiograph to visually confirm foreign object

Visually sight the object if it isn't too far into the airway

Differential Diagnosis

Asthma

Pneumonia

Epiglottitis

Croup

TTN

Lung abscess

Atelectasis

Respiratory Management

Oxygen support

Bronchoscopy

Intubation if severe