A 3-year-old boy is brought to the emergency department by his parents, who report that he suddenly began coughing and struggling to breathe while playing with a small toy. The child was immediately distressed and started gagging, followed by persistent coughing and wheezing. His parents attempted to help him by patting his back, but his symptoms did not improve. The child is now in moderate respiratory distress, with noticeable wheezing and labored breathing. His oxygen saturation is slightly low at 91%.

Upon examination, the child appears anxious and is sitting upright with his hands on his neck, suggesting possible airway obstruction. There is a prolonged expiration phase and wheezing on auscultation. A chest X-ray is performed, revealing an opaque foreign body in the right bronchus.

The diagnosis of airway foreign body aspiration is confirmed, and the pediatric emergency team prepares for immediate bronchoscopy to remove the object. The parents are informed of the situation and reassured that with prompt intervention, the child will likely make a full recovery. The child is given supplemental oxygen and prepared for the procedure.

The bronchoscopy successfully removes the foreign body, and the child’s symptoms rapidly improve. He is monitored for a few hours and discharged home the same day with instructions for follow-up care. The parents are educated on preventing such incidents in the future by keeping small objects out of reach of young children.