Foreign body aspiration (FBA) in children is not
uncommon in our context1,2. The child usually
presents with an initial episode of choking, coughing
and respiratory distress3. If the initial attack is ignored,
the child may develop recurrent respiratory symptoms
with ultimate development of recurrent pneumonia and
bronchiectasis with damaged lungs in the long run.
Only two thirds of patients seek treatment within 1
week following aspiration4.The diagnosis of FBA can
be delayed in terms of days to weeks5,6. But much
delay to the extent of years is not usually reported in
the literature.