Foreign body aspiration is common among children, particularly those aged 1 to 3 yr. However, children under age 1 yr are at high risk of aspiration if they are fed high-risk foods (eg, grapes, nuts, chunks of meat) by caregivers. Between ages 1 and 3 yr, children are able to find and ingest a variety of objects, although aspiration can also occur during the course of a normal meal. Before age 3 yr, a child’s swallowing coordination is not as well-developed as it is after age 3 yr, when children are better able to chew food thoroughly and have the oropharyngeal control to better swallow it.
Children may present acutely, particularly if someone witnesses a choking episode. However, if choking is not witnessed, presentation may be delayed until infectious complications occur—sometimes weeks to months later.
Prevention is important. Toys that present a choking hazard are labeled and must be kept away from small children. However, foods that present a choking hazard are not labeled, and prevention requires extreme awareness and vigilance by parents.
See also Cough in Children in The Manuals.