Foreign body aspiration in a child with cardiac arrest.

Foreign body aspiration is a true medical emergency and is the fifth most common cause of mortality due to unintentional injury in the United States. Children who have aspirated a foreign body may present with a variety of symptoms, from mild irritation and cough to respiratory failure. Treatment is removal of the foreign body, often via rigid bronchoscopy. Clinicians must have a high degree of suspicion to ensure a foreign body aspiration is not missed on initial presentation.