Role of bronchoscopy in management of inhaled foreign bodies in children

ABSTRACT

This study included 50 patients 3 months to 4 years of age presenting with recurrent chest wheezing and respiratory distress. The main diagnosis was FBA, 20% have history of choking, while 80% denied it completely. 48% had no symptoms free period. Wheezing was continuous and cough was dry nonproductive. B2 agonists and corticosteroids did not help patients if they got severe attacks of respiratory distress. By bronchoscopy 6 out of 10 patients giving a history of choking had peanut or melon seed particles extracted from the right bronchus. Radiological findings were normal in 48% of the patients. IgA, M, G and E were almost as controls. This work stresses the importance of proper diagnosis of wheezy infants and young children with a suspected FBA and the ultimate importance of bronchoscopy in the management