Rawalpindi Medical University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan (https://rmur.edu.pk/)
Abstract
foreign bodies, the means by which they gain accessand the measures by which accidental aspiration canbe prevented.Methods: Bronchoscopy was performed in 39 patientswho presented with a suspicion of foreign body aspirationduring a three-year period (Jan 2002 – Dec 2004) in theDepartment of ENT, Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi.Results: The common symptoms were sudden onset ofdyspnoea and cough. Whistle was commonest objectremoved (46.15%). Majority of patients were above tenyears of age (38.46%). Left main bronchus was thecommonest site of involvement.Conclusion: Foreign body aspiration should besuspected when there is sudden onset of respiratorysymptoms, even in the absence of a history of aspiration.Emergency bronchoscopy facility should be available inall hospitals. Mass awareness should be created throughelectronic media and family physicians, to decrease theincidence of such accidents
