Foreign body aspiration — DCH MCQ

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HardCommon childhood illnessesForeign body aspirationDCH

A 20-month-old girl has sudden coughing while eating peanuts. Two hours later she has persistent cough, unilateral wheeze and a normal temperature; oxygen saturation is 96% in air. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: E — Inhaled foreign body

The abrupt choking episode followed by persistent unilateral wheeze is most consistent with an inhaled foreign body. Viral bronchiolitis and asthma can cause wheeze, but the temporal link to eating and focal signs are decisive. The clinical pearl is that a normal oxygen saturation or chest X-ray does not exclude aspiration.

Reference: NICE CKS Cough - acute with chest signs in children