Foreign Body Aspiration in the Pediatric Population in Kuwait: Experience of 901 Cases

Objective: The aim of this study is to report chest diseases hospital experience with foreign body aspiration in pediatric age group.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of the data of all pediatric patients <18 years of age who underwent flexible and rigid bronchoscopy for suspected foreign body aspiration. Data was collected from a national tertiary center in Kuwait from 2009 until 2015. A total of 901 patients underwent rigid bronchoscopy for suspected foreign body aspiration. Foreign body aspiration was identified in 403 (44.7%) patients. History of choking, witnessed aspiration, respiratory distress, stridor, positive finding on chest x-ray and auscultation were significantly associated with positive bronchoscopy.

Conclusion: Detailed history, physical examination, radiological finding can be utilized to aid in the diagnosis of foreign body aspiration and prevent complications.