Inhaled foreign bodies

Inhaled foreign bodies

This is a fairly common occurrence in small children and is often marked by a choking incident that then apparently passes. Surprisingly large objects can be inhaled and become lodged in the wider calibre and more vertically placed RMB. There are three possible presentations: 1 asymptomatic; 2 wheezing (from airway narrowing) with a persistent cough and signs of obstructive emphysema; 3 pyrexia with a productive cough from pulmonary suppu - ration. Either flexible or more often rigid bronchoscopy is required to remove the foreign body .