Oropharyngeal foreign body: upper airway management strategies in paediatric population

Abstract

Foreign body (FB) ingestion among children is one of the most common presenting complaint to Emergency Department. Oropharyngeal foreign body are the least common, 5-10% in all FB ingestion. However, it carries significant mortality and morbidity following complications which may arise from it. Airway obstruction is one of the complications which may present after FB ingestion. Due to the significant differences in airway anatomy and physiology of children, management of an obstructed pediatric airway is challenging. It requires proper skill and experience to prevent further fatal complications. Proper assessment and airway evaluation are crucial before proceeding with endotracheal intubation. Surgical airway is only reserved in ‘Cannot Ventilate Cannot Intubate’ situation where it should be done by a skilled person, as it carries risk of injury to underlying vital structures.