[Inhaled foreign bodies: first aid].

In the last 30 years 1,484,576 patients with traumatic lesions of different kind of seriousness were observed and managed. By mean of retrospective investigation, the authors selected and statistically analysed a sample of 95 patients treated for accidental tracheobronchial foreign bodies inhalation: authors' aim was to punctually determinate--step by step--diagnosis and treatment procedure in a "time-saving" frame. Inhalation of foreign bodies is a very dangerous event, particularly in children. In authors' experience, in 60% of cases they were children under 3 years; in 25% of cases children under 10; in 10% patients from 10 to 60 and in 4.5% over 60. As regards the gender of the patients, the male/female ratio has been 2 to 1 in favour of male. Since 85% of the study population was represented by children under 10, its clear that male children in this range of age has a greater statistical risk for accidental tracheobronchial foreign bodies inhalation.