Delayed diagnosis of foreign body in the airway in children: case series [Demora en el diagnóstico de un cuerpo extraño en la vía aérea en los niños. Serie de casos]

Aspiration of foreign bodies is an important and preventable cause of morbidity and mortality in childhood. The early diagnosis and treatment are essential for risk of mortality in the acute and complications arising from the continuance of a foreign body in the airway. The clinical presentation may mimic different diseases, delaying the correct diagnosis. Pediatricians should be aware of the possibility of foreign body in children with persistent respiratory symptoms, even in the absence of a history of choking. Bronchoscopy is indicated in all patients with suspected aspiration, even when the physical and radiological examination is inconclusive. We evaluate in 90 cases the time between the aspiration of foreign body and the removal, and emphasize the need for preventive measures and greater dissemination of knowledge in the community and health professionals about this problem.