Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics 22nd Edition | Life-threatening emergency. Accounts for 2-12% of airway foreign bodies. Clinical: stridor (inspiratory or biphasic), dysphonia/aphonia, cough, dyspnea, cyanosis. Complete obstruction → asphyxiation within minutes. Diagnosis: high index of suspicion, lateral neck x-ray (may show object). Management: Heimlich maneuver (if complete obstruction), emergency rigid bronchoscopy. Complications: airway obstruction, death, subglottic stenosis, vocal cord injury.
🌐 paeds.online — Pakistan's Pediatric Platform| Presentation | Action |
|---|---|
| Partial obstruction (coughing, stridor, able to speak) | Do NOT agitate. Call ENT/anesthesia. Transport to OR for rigid bronchoscopy. Do NOT perform Heimlich (may cause complete obstruction). |
| Complete obstruction (unable to speak, cyanosis, unconscious) | Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts) for >1 year. Back blows/chest thrusts for <1 year. If unsuccessful, direct laryngoscopy/Magill forceps, cricothyrotomy if needed. |