MANAGEMENT OF FOREIGN BODY INHALATION IN CHILDREN: EXPERIENCE FROM A PEDIATRIC SURGERY CENTER

Accidental inhalation of foreign bodies remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in children, necessitating prompt recognition and timely intervention to reduce the risk of fatal outcomes.[1] Young children are particularly vulnerable due to their natural tendency to place objects in their mouths, making foreign body aspiration one of the most common causes of accidental death in those under six years of age.[2, 3] In Iraq, the prevalence of tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration is notably high, often linked to inadequate parental supervision and neglect of dietary safety practices.[4] A lack of awareness and insufficient knowledge among caregivers contributes substantially to these accidents. Consequently, foreign body aspiration represents a pressing public health concern, requiring both preventive strategies and effective clinical management.[5] The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the clinical management of foreign body inhalation in a pediatric surgery center. The only facility in the region equipped to handle pediatric emergency surgical conditions, given the absence of an otolaryngology department within the hospital or nearby centers. Particular emphasis will be placed on the role of a documented history of choking as a diagnostic and prognostic factor in the assessment and treatment process.