The role of beta-2 agonists in foreign body aspiration

Foreign body aspiration is a relatively common problem encountered in children during the first 3 years of life. Presentation may include a variety of symptoms and signs that may include wheezing, stridor and cough. Removal of the foreign body via rigid bronchoscopy is the main treatment. Inhaled or nebulized beta-2 agonists are sometimes used in these patients to comfort their breathing and relieve some of their symptoms but can sometimes result in relief or worsening of the obstruction. We hereby report a case of peanut aspiration that was coughed out by the patient directly after treatment with nebulized salbutamol.