Airway foreign body

"Airway foreign body" refers to any exogenous object (such as food, toys, or small items) that inadvertently enters the respiratory tract (trachea, bronchi) rather than the gastrointestinal tract. This condition can cause partial or complete airway obstruction and result in symptoms ranging from cough, wheezing, and respiratory distress to choking and fatal asphyxia. It occurs most commonly in children and vulnerable adults, is a medical emergency, and is managed by prompt identification and removal (usually bronchoscopy)[1][2][3][4][5].

Other names

Airway foreign bodyAirway foreign bodiesForeign body aspirationAirway obstruction by foreign bodyChoking