Children frequently inhale foreign bodies, with the peak incidence occurring between 1 to 3 years of age. In extreme cases the child will present with signs of respiratory distress, often however there is only a history of a choking or coughing event.

Clinically there may be increased work of breathing, stridor (noisy breathing), cough or decreased air entry. Chest x-ray is helpful if positive for the radio-opaque foreign body. Those children with positive clinical signs or X-ray findings warrant bronchoscopy for evaluation and removal of the foreign body. If left untreated, may lead to severe complications.