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Foreign Body Aspiration

Foreign body aspiration occurs when a foreign body enters the airway.

Symptoms

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Choking

If you experience these symptoms, seek emergency medical attention.

Non-asphyxiating foreign-body aspiration in adults can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are nonspecific and chest x-rays may be normal due to organic composition of the foreign bodies. The diagnosis is often made via flexible bronchoscopy which enables the physician to see what is partially blocking the airway and causing difficulty breathing.