Balloons as a cause of airway obstruction.
A balloon that bursts during inflation may result in foreign body obstruction of the upper respiratory tract. Retrieval may require a finger-sweep maneuver to dislodge the adherent material. Because balloon fragments are propelled rather than merely inhaled, the obstruction may be located deep in the airway. The clenched-teeth technique for balloon inflation can prevent this potentially fatal complication.
Hughston Orthopaedic Clinic, Columbus, Ga.
J M
JM
Henderson
D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008722:Methods; D010988:Play and Playthings; D012137:Respiratory System