Obstructive sleep apnoea probably related to a foreign body

A 2-year-old child was admitted because of sudden onset of symptoms compatible with obstructive sleep apnoea. Physical examination revealed slightly hypertrophic tonsils. A polygraphic study showed 150 apnoeic episodes of obstructive type during 8 h night sleep. A foreign body consisting of a piece of a celophane candy wrapper was found by surgery. Removal of the foreign body, the adenoids and tonsils resulted in a complete recovery. A second polygraphic study performed 4 months after surgery gave entirely normal results. A foreign body should be considered in the aetiology of obstructive sleep apnoea of sudden onset in children.