Airway Foreign Bodies: An Updated Review For Emergency and Intensive Care Unit Professionals
ABDULLAH ALI ALHARBI, A., Obaid Al-Mutairi, M., Mohammed Al-Masad, S., Shuraid Al-mutairi, Y., ALSHWAIMAN, A., Suwayid Almutairi, R., Hammad Al-Balawi, A., Yousef Al-Harbi, A., AlOtaibi, R. (2025). Airway Foreign Bodies: An Updated Review For Emergency and Intensive Care Unit Professionals. EKB Journal Management System, 5(2), 78-96. doi: 10.21608/jicem.2025.397262.1061
ANAD ABDULLAH ALI ALHARBI; Marwan Obaid Al-Mutairi; Saleh Mohammed Al-Masad; Yasser Shuraid Al-mutairi; AHMED ALSHWAIMAN; Rawan Suwayid Almutairi; Afaf Hammad Al-Balawi; Abdullah Yousef Al-Harbi; Rakan Khalid Aedh AlOtaibi. "Airway Foreign Bodies: An Updated Review For Emergency and Intensive Care Unit Professionals". EKB Journal Management System, 5, 2, 2025, 78-96. doi: 10.21608/jicem.2025.397262.1061
ABDULLAH ALI ALHARBI, A., Obaid Al-Mutairi, M., Mohammed Al-Masad, S., Shuraid Al-mutairi, Y., ALSHWAIMAN, A., Suwayid Almutairi, R., Hammad Al-Balawi, A., Yousef Al-Harbi, A., AlOtaibi, R. (2025). 'Airway Foreign Bodies: An Updated Review For Emergency and Intensive Care Unit Professionals', EKB Journal Management System, 5(2), pp. 78-96. doi: 10.21608/jicem.2025.397262.1061
ABDULLAH ALI ALHARBI, A., Obaid Al-Mutairi, M., Mohammed Al-Masad, S., Shuraid Al-mutairi, Y., ALSHWAIMAN, A., Suwayid Almutairi, R., Hammad Al-Balawi, A., Yousef Al-Harbi, A., AlOtaibi, R. Airway Foreign Bodies: An Updated Review For Emergency and Intensive Care Unit Professionals. EKB Journal Management System, 2025; 5(2): 78-96. doi: 10.21608/jicem.2025.397262.1061

Airway Foreign Bodies: An Updated Review For Emergency and Intensive Care Unit Professionals

The Egyptian Journal of Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine
Volume 5, Issue 2, June 2025, Pages 78-96    PDF (688.26 K)
Document Type: Review articles
DOI: 10.21608/jicem.2025.397262.1061
Authors
ANAD ABDULLAH ALI ALHARBI* 1; Marwan Obaid Al-Mutairi1; Saleh Mohammed Al-Masad1; Yasser Shuraid Al-mutairi1; AHMED ALSHWAIMAN2; Rawan Suwayid Almutairi3; Afaf Hammad Al-Balawi4; Abdullah Yousef Al-Harbi4; Rakan Khalid Aedh AlOtaibi4
1Ministry of Defense, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
2QASSIM ARMED FORCES HOSPITAL
3AL-KHARJ ARMED FORCES HOSPITALS
4Prince Sultan Military Medical City
Abstract
Background: Foreign body aspiration (FBA) is a critical medical emergency, particularly in pediatric populations, where it ranks as the fourth leading cause of accidental death in children under five. The clinical presentation varies from acute airway obstruction to subtle, chronic respiratory symptoms, often leading to misdiagnosis. Emergency and ICU professionals must recognize high-risk scenarios to ensure timely intervention. Aim: This review provides an updated, comprehensive guide for emergency and critical care teams on the diagnosis, management, and prevention of FBA, emphasizing early recognition and interprofessional collaboration. Methods: The review synthesizes current literature on FBA epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management strategies. It highlights evidence-based approaches, including radiographic evaluation, rigid bronchoscopy, and emergency airway interventions. Results: FBA most commonly affects children under five, with food items like peanuts and hotdogs posing the highest risk. Acute upper airway obstruction requires immediate surgical intervention, while distal obstructions may present chronic wheezing or recurrent infections. Rigid bronchoscopy remains the gold standard for diagnosis and treatment. Delayed intervention increases complications such as pneumonia, bronchiectasis, and airway stenosis. Conclusion: Early recognition and prompt bronchoscopic removal are crucial for favorable outcomes. Prevention relies on caregiver education, food modification, and adherence to toy safety regulations. Emergency and ICU teams must maintain a high index of suspicion, particularly in pediatric and high-risk populations.
Keywords
Foreign body aspiration; pediatric emergency; airway obstruction; rigid bronchoscopy; choking prevention
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