Foreign object - inhaled
Definition
If you breathe a foreign object into your nose, mouth, or
Alternative Names
Obstructed airway; Blocked airway
Considerations
Children ages 6 months to 3 years are the age group most likely to breathe in (inhale) a foreign object. These items may include nuts, coins, toys, balloons, or other small items or foods.
Causes
Young children can easily inhale small foods (nuts, seeds, or popcorn) and objects (buttons, beads, or parts of toys) when playing or eating. This may cause a partial or
Young children have smaller airways than adults. They also can't move enough air when coughing to dislodge an object. Therefore, a foreign object is more likely to get stuck and block the passage.
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Choking
- Coughing
- Difficulty speaking
- No breathing or breathing trouble (respiratory distress)
- Turning blue, red or white in the face
Wheezing - Chest, throat or neck pain
Sometimes, only minor symptoms are seen at first. The object may be forgotten until symptoms such as inflammation or infection develop.
First Aid
First aid may be performed on an
- Back blows or chest compressions for infants
- Abdominal thrusts for older children
Be sure you are trained to perform these first aid measures.
Any child who may have inhaled an object should be seen by a doctor. A child with a total airway blockage requires emergency medical help.
If choking or coughing goes away, and the child does not have any other symptoms, he or she should be watched for signs and symptoms of infection or irritation. X-rays may be needed.
A procedure called
Do Not
DO NOT force feed infants who are crying or breathing rapidly. This may cause the baby to inhale liquid or solid food into their airway.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call a health care provider or local emergency number (such as 911) if you think a child has inhaled a foreign object.
Prevention
Preventive measures include:
- Keep small objects out of the reach of young children.
- Discourage talking, laughing, or playing while food is in the mouth.
- Do not give potentially dangerous foods such as hot dogs, whole grapes, nuts, popcorn, food with bones, or hard candy to children under age 3.
- Teach children to avoid placing foreign objects into their noses and other body openings.
References
Marcdante KJ, Kliegman RM. Upper airway obstruction. In: Kliegman RM, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Essentials of Pediatrics. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2015:chap 135.
Schroeder JW, Holinger LD. Foreign bodies in the airway. In: Kliegman RM, Stanton BF, St. Geme JW, Schor NF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 20th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 387.
Shah SR, Little DC. Ingestion of foreign bodies. In: Holcomb GW, Murphy JP, Ostlie DJ, eds. Ashcraft's Pediatric Surgery. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 11.
Thomas SH, Goodloe JM. Foreign bodies. In Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Hill M, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA.: Elsevier; 2018:chap 53.
Review Date: 04/04/2018
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