A foreign body lodged in the trachea causing partial obstruction is most likely to produce which examination finding?

• A. Stridor
• B. Aphonia
• C. Inability to cough
• D. Progressive cyanosis

Answer: (A)

When a foreign body partially blocks the trachea, the airway narrows enough to create turbulent, high-velocity airflow. That turbulence makes tissues in the upper airway vibrate, producing a high-pitched, musical sound called stridor. Stridor is a classic sign of upper airway obstruction like a tracheal foreign body, especially during inspiration.

Aphonia would suggest involvement at the level of the larynx or nerves affecting the voice, not typically from a tracheal obstruction. Inability to cough points more toward complete obstruction or neuromuscular issues, whereas a partial blockage often still allows coughing. Progressive cyanosis can occur if the obstruction worsens toward complete blockage, but it’s a later or more severe sign rather than the most likely early finding with partial obstruction.