management
Last reviewed 01/2018
The diagnosis of an aspirated foreign object is usually from the history. However in the case of infants or the mentally handicapped, this may not be possible, so reliance is placed on clinical signs, as discussed previously, and investigations including chest radiology and diagnostic indirect laryngoscopy or bronchoscopy.
Management in the acute situation with a choking individual entails the prompt and careful use of the Heimlich procedure. Otherwise, retrieval with a rigid bronchoscope is indicated. Both main bronchi must be examined for multiple obstructions.