Foreign body aspiration in adult airways: therapeutic approach

Abstract

Tracheobronchial foreign body (FB) aspiration is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening event in adults. Symptoms typically consist of a choking event followed by cough and dyspnea, however, these findings are inconsistent and symptoms may mimic more chronic lung diseases such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Chest radiography and computed tomography can provide information regarding the location and characteristics of foreign bodies and aid in diagnosis. Bronchoscopy remains the gold standard for diagnosis and management of FB aspiration. The authors describe the typical clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and bronchoscopic management of foreign bodies in adult airways with a focus on bronchoscopic techniques and potential complications of FB extraction.

Foreign Body Aspiration in Adult, What Would You Expect? Case Report

“…Our presented case had altered sensorium with low GCS which was the predisposing factor of his aspiration. The majority of FBs become lodged in the right bronchial tree, favoring the bronchus intermedius and the basal segments of the right lower lobe, owing to a more vertical course of the right mains stem bronchus (1,5,6) , and our presented case showed clearly the same finding of right bronchus intermedius location of the FB.…”

“…Tracheobronchial foreign body (FB) aspiration is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening event in adults (1) . Clinically, patients may present either with acute respiratory failure requiring urgent intervention or with recent onset of respiratory symptoms, including breathlessness, wheezing, coughing, and expectoration.…”

“…Standard postero-anterior and lateral chest radiographs should be obtained in all patients in whom FB aspiration is suspected. Radiographs directly identify the FB in 25% of patients, as only a minority of FBs such as coins, nails, teeth, or dental appliances are radiopaque (1,6) . Most FBs are organic and radiolucent (such as food), and therefore not directly visible on chest radiograph (2.7) .…”

Suitability of òhe modality virtual bronchoscopy with aspiration of a foreign body

“…FB expands the scope of bronchoscopic interventions to the peripheral airways, allowing the removal of foreign bodies located more distantly with a wide variety of special flexible tools. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy, however, remains the traditional gold standard (12).…”

Accidental aspiration of endodontic file: a dreaded but a preventable complication

“…Besides common causes like infection, lung neoplasms, bronchiectasis, a wide variety of other causes are seen and idiopathic in up to 30% cases. 14 [15][16][17] Though mostly ingested foreign bodies pass through the GI tract uneventfully. They might lead to dysphagia, odynophagia, coughing, gagging, drooling of saliva, chest pain, muscle incoordination, incessant twitching, nausea, hematemesis, and regurgitation.…”