Foreign body aspiration into the trachea or bronchi is a common accidental emergency in infants and young children. In recent years, cases of children accidentally inhaling foods like jelly, peanuts, or small objects into the airway have frequently occurred, sometimes leading to fatal outcomes. Prompt first aid can save lives and buy critical time for hospital-based treatment.
Common Causes of Airway Foreign Body Aspiration in Children
- Underdeveloped Chewing Ability:
- Infants lack molars, making it difficult to chew food thoroughly, leading to swallowing whole pieces.
- Immature Laryngeal Reflexes:
- Poor protective reflexes in the larynx allow food or objects to enter the trachea easily.
- Distractions During Eating:
- Children often laugh, cry, or play while eating, increasing the risk of choking.
- Habit of Mouthing Objects:
- Toys or small items held in the mouth can be inhaled during crying, laughing, or sudden inhalation.
- Eating While Lying Down:
- Consuming small, hard foods (e.g., candy, peanuts, beans, soybeans, melon seeds) while lying down may cause the epiglottis to fail to cover the trachea, leading to aspiration and hypoxia.
First Aid Methods
1. Heimlich Maneuver (Recommended by the American Medical Association)
For conscious children:
- Standing Position Method:
- Stand behind the child, wrap your arms around their waist.
- Make a fist with one hand, placing the thumb-side above the navel.
- Grasp the fist with your other hand and perform quick, upward abdominal thrusts.
- Repeat until the object is expelled.
For unconscious children:
- Supine Position Method:
- Lay the child flat on their back.
- Kneel astride the child, place the heel of one hand on the abdomen (between the navel and sternum).
- Perform upward thrusts with both hands.
- Check the mouth frequently for expelled objects.
Pediatric Adaptation:
- Hold the child face-down over your knees, head lower than the chest.
- Deliver 4 firm back blows between the shoulder blades.
- If ineffective, perform abdominal thrusts while the child is seated against your legs.
2. Handling Swallowed Objects
If a child swallows smooth, non-sharp objects (e.g., coins, beads, buttons):
- Encourage high-fiber foods (e.g., steamed buns, rice, potatoes, leeks) and honey water to aid passage.
- Monitor bowel movements to confirm expulsion.
- Seek medical evaluation if the object is not expelled within 24–48 hours.
Key Notes
- Do NOT induce vomiting or blindly probe the throat.
- Immediate medical attention is required for sharp objects, batteries, or magnets.
- Prevention: Supervise meals, avoid small/hard foods for children under 4, and keep small objects out of reach.
Share this content:
Leave a Reply