The experience of foreign body inhalation among children at Kenyatta National Hospital over a five-year-period
Ojwang, J.; Wafula, E.M.
East African Medical Journal 62(5): 323-331
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0012-835X PMID: 4042941 Document Number: 243662
Children (62) with foreign body inhalation admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital (K.N.H.) [Kenya] over a period of 5 yr were analyzed. Cough and difficulty in breathing were present in 60% and 44%, respectively, and reduced air entry and respiratory distress in 66% and 55%, respectively. Of all foreign bodies 59% were organic (with maize and beans forming 46% of all foreign bodies) and 31% were metallic. A total of 52% of foreign bodies were in the right bronchus as compared to 26% on the left. Bronchoscopy alone was successful in 65% of patients; 10% died. Health education on foreign bodies to the general public is advised.