Foreign bodies of bronchi

Foreign bodies of the bronchi in 80% of cases fall into the right bronchus, which is almost a direct continuation of the trachea. Character shortness of breath and cough. If one of the lungs is functioning normally, then shortness of breath is not pronounced. With complete obturation of the lumen of one of the main bronchi, lung atelectasis occurs. Another mild emphysema widens. Sometimes a foreign body can act as a valve: when inhaled, air flows freely through the bronchus, and exhalation is difficult. In this case, the phenomena of emphysema develop. For radiologic examination, chest X-ray examination is of great importance.

Treatment. Rapid removal of a foreign body from the trachea (with direct laryngoscopy or tracheoscopy). If this fails, then a tracheostomy is produced, followed by removal of the foreign body. Foreign body from the bronchus is removed with the help of bronchoscopy.

Prevention. A big role belongs to health education. It should be reminded to parents and staff of children's institutions about the dangers of small items for young children. It is important to monitor the behavior of children during feeding.