Background: Tracheo- bronchial foreign bodies have always posed a challenge to the ENT surgeon as they present with varied symptomatology ranging from a simple cough and fever to more grave respiratory distress. It requires a strong suspicion, early diagnosis and timely intervention to reduce the overall morbidity and mortality. This study was undertaken to highlight our experiences in handling cases of tracheo- bronchial foreign bodies (FB) at our setup.

Methods: The study involves 50 cases in age group of 1 to8yrs that underwent Rigid Bronchoscopy for suspected tracheo-bronchial FB over a period of one year (Oct. 2017-18) in the ENT Dept. of RMC, Loni.

Results: Most commonly affected were children between 1 to 8 years and mean age is 2.41 years. Chronic cough and wheeze & Respiratory Distress were the commonest presenting symptoms.

Conclusions: A good clinical acumen, team work, early diagnosis and timely intervention are all needed to reduce the overall mortality and morbidity associated with tracheo- bronchial foreign bodies.

Keywords: Foreign body, Bronchoscopy, Respiratory distress.

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Dr Farha Manzoor Maloo