Ingestion of Foreign Bodies:
As we know that small children are curious and innocence children are notorious for inserting various object into their orifices like mouth, nose, ears, anus and vagina. Aspiration of foreign bodies can occur at any age but is most common in older infants and children in the ages group of 1 to 3 years. Severity is determined by the location, type of object aspirated, the extent of obstruction. For example, peanuts, seeds, nuts,.popcorn, Bengalgram and other vegetable, small pieces, etc. are inserted. A sharp or irritating object produces irritation and edema, latex balloonq (inflated, uninflated or broken pieces) are especially hazardous, object such as safety pins, parts of broken toys, beads, button, and coin. An object of sufficient size obstructing a passage can produce various changes including atelectasis, emphysema, inflammation and abscess. ' Manifestation Very small object may not cause respiratory obstruction, but later on an obstructed object may produce atelectasis, bronchicetasis, pulmonary abscess and emphysema, foreign body in the air passage produce choaking, gagging or coughing. Laryngotracheal obstruction causes dyspnea, cough, stridor, cyanosis and hoarseness. Bronchial obstruction usually produce cough, wheezing, asymmetric breath sound, decreased airway entry and dyspnea. Child become unconscious and dies of asphyxia if the object is not removed.
Treatment
- Laryngioscopic or bronchoscopic removal of foreign body. If the object is lodged in the larynx, tracheostomy may be necessary to maintain respiration until further treatment is given.
- After removing foreign body the child is placed in a high humidity atmosphere.
- Antibiotics may be administered to prevent secondary infection.
- Observation of the child for further signs is necessary.