A case report of an organic foreign body aspiration in a young child - bridging the gap between anamnestic, clinical and radiological aspects

Abstract

Foreign body aspiration occurs more frequently in young children due to immature anatomical and functional structures like underdeveloped mechanism of swallowing, weak airway protective reflexes or the absence of molars. We describe the case of a 13-months-old girl who presented for a subsided paroxysmal cough with a sudden onset and intermittent wheezing after eating a piece of walnut. We highlight the importance of a well conducted anamneses and an efficient communication in a multidisciplinary team by describing the way we diagnosed the patient, the therapeutic method used in the removal of the foreign body and the favorable evolution. We analyze the medical literature to check the similarities and differences observed in our case. This could raise awareness among pediatricians about this diagnosis and encourage general practitioners to get involved in educating the parents in Romania.

Keywords

• foreign body aspiration
• children