Did You Know?!
A 2013 report stated that, from 2001 to 2009, an average of 12,435 children (14 years old or younger) per year were treated in US Emergency Rooms because of food-related choking.[Ref:1]
This pebble was inhaled by a young child at a school playground. Because it was partially radiopaque, it can be seen faintly on the xray, blocking the right main bronchus.
The “great outdoors” contains other potential choking hazards. Certain grass heads can become rather dangerous bronchial foreign bodies (because they have a natural “ratcheting” action, which propels them deeper and deeper).[Ref:14][Ref:17][Ref:21]
Cedar twigs and pine needles can also become aerodigestive foreign bodies.
A 2013 report stated that, from 2001 to 2009, an average of 12,435 children (14 years old or younger) per year were treated in US Emergency Rooms because of food-related choking.[Ref:1]