Open AccessForeign bodies of the lower respiratory tract
Author(s) -
A.B. Ugrinovic,
Vojko Djukić,
Ljiljana Erdevički,
Slobodan Arsenijević,
Jovica Milovanović,
S.D. Andric,
N.N. Radoic
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
acta chirurgica iugoslavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2406-0887
pISSN - 0354-950X
DOI - 10.2298/aci0903127u
Subject(s) - medicine , foreign body , atelectasis , tracheotomy , foreign bodies , foreign body aspiration , accidental , respiratory tract , thoracotomy , incidence (geometry) , surgery , bronchus , lung , respiratory system , respiratory disease , physics , acoustics , optics
Aspiration of foreign bodies of the lower respiratory tract is the most common cause of accidental death in children under 6 years of age in the United States. The aim of the study was to actualize the problem of foreign bodies in modern society, to determine the most common types of foreign body, who and why usually aspires foreign body, whether the incidence is changing, and to define principles for optimal prevention. During our five-year study, we had 166 cases of aspiration of foreign bodies of the lower respiratory tract. The incidence is highest in children under three years of age (54.8%). Cough (94.6%) and breathing difficulties (78.9%) were the dominated symptoms. The majority of aspirated objects were grain (peanuts, walnuts, sunflower seeds)--29.5%. Localization of foreign bodies was mainly in the right and left main bronchus, and the most common complications were atelectasis and emphysema. All patients had undergone a rigid upper tracheobronchoscopy and foreign body was found in 80 patients (48%). There was no need to perform neither tracheotomy, nor any further surgical treatment, as for example thoracotomy, in any patient. Good education is the best prevention.