At bronchoscopy, about 15-20 pieces of nut particles in the lower trachea and in both major bronchi were found. They were somewhat difficult to remove because of their small size. Most were removed with grasping forceps and suction. He did well postoperatively. Organic debris is most frequently retrieved on bronchoscopy.
Peanuts are the most common offending agent.
Respiratory symptoms may be produced by an object lodged anywhere in the airway, from the hypopharynx to a segmental bronchus. Children who ingest or aspirate foreign bodies may present in acute respiratory distress days or months after the aspiration episode. Other common signs are cyanosis, choking, and dyspnea. However, delays in presentation for care are common, and concern about aspiration as a cause of the child's symptoms may diminish as the primary event becomes more distant. Only half of all children are diagnosed correctly in the first 24 hours after an aspiration event.