Citation

Schürmann D, Saccomanno J, Temmesfeld-Wollbrück B, Witzenrath M, Hübner RH. Int. J. Chron. Obstruct. Pulmon. Dis. 2023; 18: 1931-1935.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2023, Dove Press)

DOI

10.2147/COPD.S408845

PMID

37675197

PMCID

PMC10478783

Abstract

The risk of foreign body aspiration associated with uncapped handheld metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) is underestimated. We report a case in which a plastic cable clip accidentally lodged in the mouthpiece of an uncapped pressurized MDI was aspirated during its use. A literature search revealed 16 other cases of foreign body aspiration associated with uncapped handheld inhalers, all but one of which were pressurized inhalers. Patients should be informed of the risk of foreign body aspiration associated with uncapped pocket inhalers. The use of an uncuffed armoured tracheal tube with a separate oxygen tubing during flexible bronchoscopy for foreign body removal ensures a safe airway. Foreign bodies that exceed the lumen size of the tracheal tube can be pulled to the distal opening with forceps and removed when the tube is withdrawn.

Language: en

Keywords

Humans; *Foreign Bodies/diagnostic imaging/surgery; *Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Bronchoscopy/adverse effects; foreign body aspiration; Metered Dose Inhalers; metered-dose inhaler; Nebulizers and Vaporizers; removal of aspirated foreign bodies; uncuffed armoured tracheal tube with separate oxygen tubing