Pediatric Practice and Research

Öz

Although foreign body aspirations are usually seen between 6 months and 4 years of age, they can be observed in children of any age. It is a preventable event that is dominant in preschool age. Symptoms and signs mimic respiratory diseases of the same age group. Foreign bodies may contain plant, mineral and chemical compounds. In general, free fatty acids of plants lead to mucosal blockage, significantly irritating the airway.
In the upper respiratory tract, the foreign body presents with acute respiratory distress and stridor. Lower airway obstruction may present with respiratory distress, wheezing and cough symptoms. In some cases, it may be asymptomatic. In this study, we present our experience in patients admitted to our pediatric emergency department for various reasons and diagnosed as foreign body aspiration.
Cases:
Between 01.11.2017-01.09.2019, The records of five cases who presented to the pediatric emergency department of Dr.Sami Ulus Obstetrics, Children's Health and Diseases Training and Research Hospital with cough and difficulty in breathing were diagnosed retrospectively. Complaints, diagnostic methods and clinical follow-up of the patients were evaluated.
The ages of the patients were 2 months, 9 months, 15 months, 30 months and 42 months. Four of the patients were male. The presenting complaints were cough, difficulty breathing, fever and bruising. Pulmonary radiographs of all cases were taken, right paracardiac infiltration was detected in two cases and bilateral paracardiac infiltration was found in one case. White cell elevation and acute phase reactant elevation were detected in two patients. The patients were transferred to the pediatric surgery department after the diagnosis, and they were referred to another center for bronchoscopy. Bronchoscopy was performed in 2 patients, one in the left main bronchus nuts, the other in the right main bronchus carrot fragments were removed. It was learned that no intervention was performed in two patients.A patient's information could not be reached.
Discussion:
Tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in children. In addition to inadequate observation, the lack of posterior teeth in children and immature respiratory protection are important factors. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can prevent serious complications. Since the cases may present with different clinical picture, the diagnosis can be delayed or different diagnosis can be made. Foreign body aspiration should always be considered in persistent respiratory tract infections that do not respond to treatment.