Abstract

Objective: To explore the combined treatment and effect because of lime foreign body in airway with inhalantion injury of children.

Methods: One child whose respiratory tract was injured and obstructed by lime was admitted to our hospital, and systematic anti-infection and antishock procedures were performed. Then he received tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. The child underwent rigid bronchoscopy and the bronchial casts (lime) were removed under general anaesthesia. Subsequently, fiberoptic bronchoscopy was used again, the remaining lime powder was removed by hair brush, and then bronchoalveolar lavage was performed. The secretion of respiratory tract was retained for bacterial culture and susceptibility test.

Results: The mechanical ventilation was withdrawn on the seventh day after perioperative treatment. The right upper lung which was atelectasis before surgery was improved after surgery. Pulmonary function showed that resistance of main air duct was normal while that of small air duct was elevated.

Conclusion: The key for successful treatment is to remove bronchial casts (lime) as soon as possible. Bronchoalveolar lavage and bronchial scrubbing are also important. The combined perioperative treatment can reduce the operation risk and incidence of post-operative complication.

Keywords: Child, Airway foreign body, Respiratory failure, Treatment