Inhaled foreign body

Published on 23/06/2015 by admin

Filed under Emergency Medicine

Last modified 22/04/2025

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6.2 Inhaled foreign body

Treatment

Total obstruction

Untreated, total airway obstruction will rapidly lead to hypoxia, loss of consciousness and subsequently cardiorespiratory arrest. In the child presenting with complete obstruction, basic life support should be commenced (see Chapter 2.4 on Resuscitation). The performance of back blows and chest thrusts to dislodge the foreign body should be followed by attempted ventilation with bag and mask. If these methods are unable to remove the foreign body and allow ventilation, then direct visualisation of the larynx and Magill forceps extraction of the foreign body should occur if possible. In the unlikely event of a foreign body visualised below the cords, suctioning may expedite its removal or, if not possible, advancing the object past the carina with an endotracheal tube or bougie may allow life-saving ventilation as a temporising measure.

Lower airway foreign body