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Abstract
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.