PITFALLS IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF AERODIGESTIVE TRACT FOREIGN-BODIES

In the young child, particularly those between the ages of 1 and 3 yea rs, aerodigestive tract foreign bodies continue to be a significant pr oblem. Early diagnosis and treatment can decrease morbidity and length of hospital stay in these children. Three cases of delayed diagnosis in children with bronchial (2) and esophageal (1) foreign bodies are p resented. In dealing with young children it is important to maintain a high clinical suspicion of a foreign body and to perform a detailed h istory and physical examination. Options in radiographic analysis of t he patient with a suspected foreign body, probable locations of the fo reign body, and the likelihood of definitive radiographic findings are discussed. Importantly, a negative radiographic analysis does not rul e out the presence of an aerodigestive tract foreign body. Two flow ch arts for the evaluation of patients who have possibly ingested or inha led a foreign body are presented to aid the primary care physician in diagnosis.