# Acute Hypercapnic Respiratory Failure from Foreign Body Aspiration in a 16-Month-Old: A Case Report

## TL;DR

A 16-month-old child developed severe breathing failure after inhaling a foreign object and was successfully treated with emergency care and bronchoscopy.

## Contribution

This case report highlights the management challenges and successful stabilization techniques for pediatric foreign body aspiration leading to hypercapnic respiratory failure.

## Key findings

- The child presented with severe respiratory distress and cyanosis due to foreign body aspiration.
- Effective stabilization and interdisciplinary coordination enabled safe transfer for bronchoscopy and foreign body removal.
- The case underscores the importance of prompt intervention in managing acute hypercapnic respiratory failure in children.

## Abstract

Acute hypercapnic respiratory failure secondary to foreign body aspiration is a rare but severe complication seen in pediatric patients. Foreign body aspiration is one of the leading causes of death in children and requires prompt intervention and stabilization when definitive bronchoscopy is not readily available.

We describe the case of a 16-month-old male who developed acute hypercapnic respiratory failure following the aspiration of a foreign body. On presentation to the emergency department, the child was in respiratory distress, appeared cyanotic, and had severely impaired oxygenation, all indicating respiratory failure. Initial management involved stabilization, advanced airway management, and ventilatory adjustments. Efficient communication with multiple specialists coordinated the appropriate transfer of the patient to a tertiary pediatric facility for bronchoscopy and ultimate successful foreign body removal without complications.

The report highlights challenges in the management of pediatric foreign body aspiration leading to severe hypercapnia, the importance of interdisciplinary coordination, and the management techniques used to stabilize the patient for safe transfer to a tertiary care center.