Lower airway foreign body aspiration in children. An analysis of 13 cases.

This analysis of thirteen cases of lower airway foreign body aspiration in children reveals a high incidence of aspiration into the left main bronchus, and an increased incidence in older children. Early indentification of nonradio opaque foreign bodies such as food and plastic toys is difficult in the absence of a positive history. Suggestions are offered for prevention, early detection, and treatment.