Tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration in Palestinian children in the West Bank: a 10-year retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND

Foreign body aspiration (FBA) is a frequent pediatric emergency with potentially serious complications. This study examines the clinical features, diagnostic challenges, and outcomes of FBA in children in the West Bank, Palestine, over 10 years, to fill a regional data gap and support improved prevention and management strategies.

METHODS

A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted on electronic health records of 292 pediatric patients (0–18 years) from multiple tertiary hospitals in the West Bank, Palestine (Jan 2014– Jan 2024), using descriptive and inferential statistics.

RESULTS

Most cases (75%) occurred in children under 3 years of age, with males accounting for (55.8%). The most common presenting symptoms were sudden coughing (91.1%) and choking (63%). Organic foreign bodies, particularly seeds (41.1%) and nuts (10.3%), were predominant, with type significantly associated with both gender (p < 0.001) and age group (p < 0.001). The right main bronchus was the most frequent site of impaction (30.5%). Complications, including pneumonia (13.7%) and radiologic abnormalities, including atelectasis (17.1%), were linked to delayed presentation (p < 0.05). Rigid bronchoscopy successfully removed foreign bodies in 92.1% of cases.

CONCLUSION

FBA remains a notable pediatric health problem among Palestinian children. This study provides a descriptive overview of patterns of presentation, diagnosis, and management of FBA over a 10-year period and highlights gaps in hospital data recording. These findings contribute local evidence that may inform future preventive and clinical strategies. LIMITATIONS: The retrospective design relies on the accuracy of electronic health records, and exclusion of cases with substantial missing data may have introduced selection bias.