A Study on Prevalence, Clinical and Radiological Features of Tracheo Bronchial Foreign Body and Its Correlation with Bronchoscopic Findings and its Complications in Children Admitted in BCHI Davangere

Abstract

Tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration is a common yet potentially life-threatening condition in children, often requiring prompt and accurate diagnosis to prevent serious complications. A study conducted between August 2022 and June 2024 at BCHI Davangere examined 95 children aged 6 months to 18 years with suspected foreign body aspiration. Most cases (65.3%) involved children aged 1-3 years, with a slight male predominance (56.8%). Cough was the most prevalent symptom, reported in 90.5% of cases, followed by dyspnea in 64.2%. Groundnuts were the most commonly aspirated foreign body, found in 32.6% of cases, and the right main bronchus was the most frequent site of obstruction (40%). Bronchoscopy, which was performed in 18.9% of cases, had a high diagnostic yield of 81.1%, underscoring its value in confirming the presence of foreign bodies when clinical and radiological findings alone are insufficient. The study revealed that while symptoms such as cough and dyspnea are common, they may not always reliably indicate the presence of an aspirated object, as clinical and chest X-ray findings had low sensitivity in identifying foreign bodies. As a result, bronchoscopy remains a crucial diagnostic tool in suspected cases, ensuring timely and effective removal of the aspirated object. Additionally, the study emphasizes the need for increased awareness and preventive measures, particularly in rural communities, to reduce the occurrence of foreign body aspiration in children. Proper education for parents and caregivers about the dangers of small objects like groundnuts and the importance of supervision can significantly lower the risk. Overall, the combination of clinical assessment, radiological imaging, and bronchoscopy is essential for managing tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration, ensuring better outcomes for children.