Pediatric foreign body aspiration
Pediatric foreign body aspiration occurs when a child inhales a foreign object. This can cause significant breathing problems and requires prompt treatment.
What is pediatric foreign body aspiration?
If a child has swallowed a foreign object and is struggling to breathe or not breathing, get medical help immediately. Call 911.
When a child inhales a foreign object, it lodges in the respiratory tract. This most often occurs in children age 3 and under because of their curiosity and likelihood of putting objects into their mouth.
A child may breathe in an organic object like a seed or popcorn, or an inorganic object like a button, bead or rock. This can cause partial or total blockage of an airway. An object that goes unnoticed can eventually cause an infection.
What are the signs and symptoms of pediatric foreign body aspiration?
- Choking
- Coughing
- Irritability
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing or breathing trouble (respiratory distress)