Disposable Plastic Diapers: A Foreign Body Hazard

Abstract

Foreign body ingestion and aspiration in children has been a serious problem, occasionally resulting in airway obstruction and death. Airway obstruction by balloons and subsequent asphyxiation is well documented. Respiratory blockage by plastic dry-cleaning sacks has resulted in warning labels on most such materials. Two recent cases of nasal aspiration of plastic coating from a commonly used disposable diaper are compared to reports of similar occurrences documented by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. On the basis of these reports we recommend that disposable diapers be continuously covered by other clothing to prevent the child's access to the plastic. Otolaryngologists and pediatricians should be aware of the potential hazard when examining diapered children with chronic rhinorrhea or sudden respiratory distress.