This emergency can vary in severity from mild to life threatening and the child's condition may change suddenly.
Infectious causes are common with croup and epiglottitis being the most prevalent.
Although epiglottitis is becoming less common due to immunization against Hemophilus Influenza B, it still occurs. The most common objects aspirated resulting in airway obstruction in children include coins, buttons, beads, pins, candy, nuts, hot dogs, chewing gum, grapes and sausages. Maintain universal blood and body fluid precautions. Maintain an open airway, remove secretions, vomitus and assist ventilations as needed. Do not attempt to remove foreign body in the field.