Haller et al identified clinical findings associated with foreign body aspiration by a child. These can help to identify a child who may not require rigid bronchoscopy. The authors are from University Hospitals of Geneva.
Patient selection: child being evaluated for foreign body aspiration
Signs and symptoms associated with foreign body aspiration:
(1) sudden choking
(2) cyanosis
(3) apnea (100% sensitive, 22% specific)
(4) decreased breath sounds
(5) atelectasis
(6) mediastinal shift
(7) air trapping
IF none of the signs and symptoms are present AND IF there is no clear history of sudden choking THEN no foreign body was found.
IF >= 1 sign and symptom AND IF there was sudden choking THEN bronchoscopy should be performed.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
