Tracheobronchial foreign bodies.

Background: To assess the types of tracheobronchial foreign bodies, the means by which they gain access and the measures by which accidental aspiration can be prevented. Methods: Bronchoscopy was performed in 39 patients who presented with a suspicion of foreign body aspiration during a three-year period (Jan 2002 – Dec 2004) in the Department of ENT, Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi. Results: The common symptoms were sudden onset of dyspnoea and cough. Whistle was commonest object removed (46.15%). Majority of patients were above ten years of age (38.46%). Left main bronchus was the commonest site of involvement. Conclusion: Foreign body aspiration should be suspected when there is sudden onset of respiratory symptoms, even in the absence of a history of aspiration. Emergency bronchoscopy facility should be available in all hospitals. Mass awareness should be created through electronic media and family physicians, to decrease the incidence of such accidents.