Foreign Body Aspiration in Children

Foreign body aspiration (FBA) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in pediatrics. Most cases occur in children younger than 3 years, and the classic triad of choking, cough, and unilateral wheezing or decreased air entry is seen in only a minority of patients. Oftentimes, the diagnosis can be challenging when an aspiration event is not directly witnessed. Management depends on the acuity of the presentation. Patients with evidence of complete upper airway obstruction should have age-appropriate basic life support maneuvers performed.

Source: Clinical Pediatric Emergency Medicine - July 28, 2015 Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: David A. Lowe, Ronald Vasquez, Vincenzo Maniaci Source Type: research