They tend to be running or playing at the time of aspiration. They tend to put objects in their mouth more frequently. They lack coordination of swallowing and glottic closure. In adults, bronchial foreign bodies tend to be lodged in the right main bronchus because of its lesser angle of convergence as compared to the left bronchus and the location of the carina left of the midline. In children, several papers have shown equal frequency of right and left bronchial foreign bodies.
Larger objects tend to become lodged in the larynx or trachea.
A large foreign body lodged in the larynx or trachea can produce complete airway obstruction, either from the dimensions of the object or the resulting edema. Laryngeal foreign bodies present with airway obstruction and hoarseness or aphonia. Tracheal foreign bodies present in a similar fashion as laryngeal foreign bodies but without hoarseness or aphonia. Tracheal foreign bodies can demonstrate wheezing similar to asthma. The history and physical exam are the most important aspects in the decision for surgical intervention.