Abstract :
Introduction: The aim of this work was to study the clinical presentation of tracheo-bronchial foreign body aspiration in children for its early diagnosis. This article attempts to address the potential hazards of foreign body inhalation in children and its subsequent management by rigid bronchoscopy.nMaterials and Methods:u00a0This prospective study of 63 cases in age group of 1 to 8 years that underwent Rigid Bronchoscopy for suspected tracheo-bronchial FB over a period of three years in the ENT Dept. of Venkateshwara Institute of Medical sciences. Cases referred from department of paediatrics, with history of sudden breathlessness, sudden onset of cough with or without cyanosis & with or without pyrexia.u00a0nResults: In our studies, the mean age of patients presenting with foreign body aspiration at our set up is 2.4 years. Males (57.2%) present with foreign body aspiration more frequently as compared to females (42.8%). In 62% cases, there was definite history of foreign body ingestion observed by parents or relatives. Maximum no. of patients was sudden onset of cough 38% followed by difficulty in breathing, Noisy breathing, Hoarseness of voice vomiting and retching cases presented. 7.9% patients presented with Drooling of saliva. In our studies, majority of FB in air passage were in left main bronchus 53.9% followed by right main bronchus 36.5% and 6.3% in carina.u00a0nConclusion: Tracheo-bronchial foreign body aspiration is very common in children. Foreign body aspiration usually presents as an un-witnessed episode and a high index of suspicion by the surgeon, even in absence of a positive history is necessary to prevent morbidity and mortality due to delayed or misdiagnosis. Foreign body aspiration is an emergency and should be removed by rigid bronchoscopy at the earliest to prevent complications.nn
Keyword :
Foreign bodies, Rigid bronchoscopy, Tracheo-bronchial tree.