SOME PROBLEMS IN THE CASES OF FOREIGN BODIES IN INFANTS

Abstract

Statistical observation on the cases of foreign bodies in infants, handled in our clinic during the period 1956 through 1965, was performed. The results were as follows.
1. The cases of foreign bodies in infants were found to be 3% of the total number of infantile diseases and 60% of all the foreign bodies in our clinic. There were many cases of foreign bodies in infants carried into our clinic by emergency-car.
2. About 50% of foreign bodies in infants were found in esophagus and 83% cases of them were coins. Toys and the parts of toys were found frequently next to coins.
3. About 77% of all the foreign bodies in lower respiratory tract in our clinic were found to be beans and fish bones in infants. This should never be overlooked. It should be cautioned that there were many cases mishandled as various respiratory diseases by the pediatricians.
4. The foreign bodies of ear and nose were mostly found in infants, and spherical shaped foreign bodies were seen to have lodged during play.
5. The removal of foreign bodies in infants should be perfomed steadily and quickly. It is good to apply the TV-camera or biplane radiological illumination.
6. As the campaign for the social development in regard to infantile diseases, the authors wish to emphasize the parents the following criteria.
(1) Do not have infant eat the solid food and confections (e.g. peanut or chocolate-cake, including peanut etc.).
(2) Cease to produce the unsatisfactory and incomplete toys. Put radioopaque materials to plastic products.
(3) Keep the baby powder cans away from babies.