FOREIGN BODY ASPIRATION IN CHILDREN: A HIDDEN DANGER

Introduction: Foreign body aspiration (FBA) is a common pediatric emergency and an important cause of accidental death in children. The majority of cases occur with small organic or inorganic objects in preschool age. FBA may be associated with a broad spectrum manifestations and its diagnosis represents a challenge. Case report: We report a case of a two-year-old child admitted in the emergency department with cough, dysphonia and dysphagia. On physical examination she had persistent cough, mild respiratory distress and inspiratory / expiratory wheezing and bilaterally dispersed snoring in auscultation. The chest radiograph showed bilateral hilar reinforcement, most notably on the right side. Otolaryngology evaluation, including nasolaringofibroscopy, had no alterations. Bronchoscopy revealed a vegetable foreign body causing obstruction greater than 50% of right main bronchus lumen. Conclusion: The aim of this report is to emphasize the need to maintain a high index of suspicion concerning the possibility of FBA, because the late recognition can lead to irreversible consequences