Inhaled foreign body (in respiratory tract)

Description An inhaled foreign ...

Description

An inhaled foreign body will become lodged in the trachea or bronchus (air tubes of the lung). The symptoms experienced depend on where in the airway the foreign body resides. A foreign body that lodges in a larger bronchus will cause more respiratory distress. Smaller foreign bodies may not cause any symptoms initially, but if not removed the foreign body can cause an infection or partial collapse of the lung. Children can inadvertently inhale foreign bodies and initially have no complaints. Parents must have a high index of suspicion to seek care and establish the diagnosis.

Symptoms

Choking, coughing, noisy upper airway breathing (stridor), inability to breathe or speak, chest pain, wheezing. There may be no symptoms initially, but later may develop symptoms of a lung infection (pneumonia).

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Imaging studies and/or direct visualization with a bronchoscope will be performed.

Tests:
CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray

Other Specific Tests: Bronchoscopy

Specialists:
Pulmonology, Pediatric Pulmonology

Treatment

Children with a suspected inhaled foreign body require prompt evaluation by a healthcare provider. Initial treatment depends on the degree of respiratory distress, and may include oxygen, intubation to put in a breathing tube and rarely a tracheotomy. Removal of the foreign body is achieved with a fiber optic camera directed into the airway (bronchoscopy). Rarely surgery is required. Antibiotics will be administered if an infection is present.