Delayed diagnosis of foreign body aspiration in children

ABSTRACT

Foreign body aspiration in children is common and usually presents with an initial episode of choking with subsequent respiratory symptoms. There may be cough, wheeze, or strider, with decreased or abnormal breath sounds on examination. However, it can mimic other illnesses and cause difficulty in diagnosis. Radiological investigations may help to confirm aspiration but should not be used to exclude it. This case is a presentation of foreign body aspiration with a delay in diagnosis and misdiagnosed as bronchial asthma. It is believed that delay could have been avoided with a more careful approach to the history and more appropriate use of investigations. This case also demonstrates the use of CT scan with reconstruction in diagnosis of foreign body