[Tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration in children. Report of over 94 patients].

Over the last seven years, we from the Dept. of Pediatrics at the University of Erlangen have recorded an increase in the rate of children admitted because of aspirated foreign bodies. Despite the most modern methods of bronchoscopy extraction available nowadays, an inhaled foreign body can become a serious matter if it results in acute respiratory distress or - and this occurs much more frequently - if it remains for a long period unrecognized in the bronchial system and, as a result of intense reactions of the mucous membrane, can then only be extracted with great difficulty. As a result, serious pneumonia and bronchiectasis may develop on the basis of this "stubborn bronchitis". In these 94 case studies we have reported case histories, examination findings as well as radiological diagnosis and stiff bronchoscopy for treatment. Finally, we have discussed suggestions for prevention of this accident.