Aspiration of foreign body

It is the inhalation of a small object through the nose or mouth, which ends up lodging in the airways. It is considered a medical emergency because it may block the passage of air to the lungs, producing severe respiratory failure (including respiratory arrest). It is often produced by small, easily reachable objects. It usually manifests with cough, wheezing on breathing and/or choking. It is diagnosed through clinical questioning and physical exam, as well as x-rays and CT scans. The treatment is the removal of the object from the airway by a specialist.