Abstract
Objective
To determine types and presentations of foreign bodies (FB) in aero-digestive tract.
Patients and Methods
This is prospective interventional study was carried out at departments of Pediatric and Otolaryngology of Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College at SBBMU Sukkur, from July 2007 to December 2009. A total 100 patients of aero-digestive tract FB 6-60 years ages were included in the study. After obtaining the informed written consent from parents/patients, a history and clinical examination were performed and X-rays chest and neck were done. All patients under went rigid bronchoscopy and esophagoscopy under general anesthesia.
Results
Out of 100 patients, 40 patients had airway and 60 digestive tract FB. Out of airway FB, 23 (57.5%) were male and 17 (42.5%) female, while of digestive system FB, 34 (56.6%) were male and 26 (43.3%) female. 84 patients were under the age of 15 years. Betel nut was the commonest FB noted, followed by plastic whistle, seeds, screws, wire, denture, buttons, and springs.
Coin was the commonest FB ingested; others were food bolus, needles, denture, and coca cola bottle covers. All patients with airway FB presented with respiratory distress, cough, choking, dyspnea and hemoptysis, while patients with FB in digestive tract had dysphasia, discomfort and excessive salivation.
Conclusion
Aero-digestive tract FB are common health problem that might endanger life, so early diagnosis and management is necessary to avoid the complications. (Rawal Med J 2011;36:277-280).

Key words: Foreign bodies, aero-digestive tract, rigid bronchoscopy, esophagoscopy.