Aspiration of foreign bodies is an important cause of accidental death in childhood. It is more frequent in children under three years, especially boys. Sudden onset of cough, wheezing and decreased breath sounds are the most common signs and symptoms of foreign body aspiration. This retrospective study was executed between December 2003-January 2006 in Kocaeli University Medical Faculty, Pediatric Emergency and Thoracic Surgery Departments. Thirty-eight patients admitted due to suspicion of foreign body aspiration were inclucded in this study. The demographic data of children who underwent broncoscopy were analysed. We aimed to evaulate the clinical, physical examination and radiological findings and compare the early and late diagnosed groups. Placement of the foreign bodies across the lower airways differend depending on their shapes (p=0.018). Group I (hard and round shaped) foreign bodies were found mostly in right and left main bronchi while Group II (sharp and soft) bodies were found in various parts of the airway.

Keywords: yabancı cisim aspirasyonu, bronkoskopi, çocuk, foreign body aspiration, bronchoscopy, child