Symptoms of acute upper airway obstruction are dramatic and easy to diagnose. The individual may suddenly begin having difficulty breathing or be unable to breathe at all. Cyanosis, unconsciousness , and death may rapidly follow significant partial or total obstruction. In adults, foreign bodies are usually aspirated chunks of meat or food. In children, peanuts are the most commonly aspirated food, but hot dogs are the most common food item associated with aspiration fatalities, because of their size and shape.
Children also aspirate or choke on many nonfood items.
Airway obstruction from aspirated balloon fragments, buttons, coins, and small toys is common. The classic example is an allergic reaction to a bee sting , which frequently takes the form of an anaphylactic reaction. A rapidly expanding abscess can block the airway and cause respiratory distress. The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. It is provided for your general information and is not a substitute for medical care or supervised medical treatment.