[Management of tracheal foreign bodies].

Abstract

Foreign body aspiration in children represents an acute pediatric emergency, requiring immediate interdisciplinary evaluation and intervention. Infants and toddlers under the age of four are particularly at risk due to immature coordination of the swallowing mechanism and a tendency toward oral exploration. Clinical symptoms vary depending on the location of the foreign body and can range from mild coughing to severe respiratory distress. Anamnesis is often unreliable, making diagnosis and therapeutic decision-making more difficult. Bronchoscopy remains the gold standard for both diagnosis and treatment, even in cases with inconspicuous imaging findings. The urgency of endoscopic removal must be assessed on a case-by-case basis, depending on the patient's clinical condition, the type of foreign body, and potential risks such as airway obstruction or ingestion of batteries or magnets.