Frequency of foreign body inhalation in eight month duration admitted in Paediatric intensive care unit of Abbasi Shaheed hospital (tertiary care centre)

Abstract

We present four cases of foreign body inhalation in eight month period (May-Dec 2016) admitted in pediatric intensive care unit (p.i.c.u) of Abassi Shaheed Hospital. Age range was eleven months to four years. Male gender was predominant among the case series. All of the cases presented with sudden onset of respiratory distress along with fever and cough. On examination all patients were febrile, tachpneic, tachycardic with subcostal and intercostal recessions. A working diagnosis of severe pneumonia was made and child was put on intravenous antibiotics and nebulizations. After 48 hours of admission, there was no improvement clinically so suspicion of foreign body was made on the basis chest of x-ray. Rigid bronchoscopy was done; foreign body peanut (1), chicken bone (1) and betel nut (2) were found. All children showed rapid improvement after removal of foreign body and were discharged soon after. Parents were counseled regarding addiction of betel nut and avoidance of foreign body   inhalation in growing children. Hence we conclude that foreign body inhalation should be kept as a differential diagnosis in every child presenting with respiratory distress without improvement despite treatment. Parents should also be counseled for being vigilant around their children. There is no conflict of interest.