Variable Presentation of Foreign Body Aspiration in Children: Diagnostic Dilemma

Abstract

Aim: To determine the frequency of common clinical presentations in children with foreign body aspiration. Methodology: This cross sectional study was done during the period of March, 2017 to Feb, 2018 A total of 84 children with history of foreign body aspiration were included. The data was entered in the proforma which includes history and the common presentation. The study was approved by ethical review board of PUMHSW. Written informed consent was taken from parents/guardian of all participants. Results: The average age of the children was 3.2±1.69 years. There were 52(61.9%) male and 32(38.1%) were female. Frequency of common clinical presentation was repeated attacks of cough 64.3%, respiratory distress 64.3% followed by sudden onset of choking 54.8%, non-responsive to treatment 34.5%, cyanosis 11.9% and with decrease air way breath sound in right and left as well as bilateral lung was 44%, 23.8% and 16.7& respectively. 46.4% had right, 22.6% left and 25% bilateral hyperinflation similarly 17.95 right, 15.5% left lung were collapse. Conclusion: Beetle nut as foreign body inhalation is more common in children. Repeated attacks of cough, respiratory distress, and chocking are the commonest symptoms. FBA should be kept in differential diagnosis of persistent cough in children.