An 18-month-old with a history of choking presents with respiratory distress and fever. What is the definitive treatment for the suspected diagnosis?

In the scenario of an 18-month-old child with a history of choking, who is now presenting with respiratory distress and fever, the clinical suspicion would likely involve airway obstruction due to aspiration of a foreign body. The definitive treatment for this situation is bronchoscopy.

Bronchoscopy is a procedural intervention that allows direct visualization of the airway and the ability to remove any foreign material that may be obstructing the airway. This is especially important in cases of suspected aspiration, as prompt removal of the foreign body can alleviate respiratory distress and prevent further complications such as infection or airway damage. In this age group, the possibility of aspiration of small toys, food, or other objects is common and can lead to serious consequences if not addressed quickly.

Other diagnostic imaging options, such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or ultrasound, do not provide the immediate benefits of a therapeutic intervention. While they can help diagnose certain conditions, they do not facilitate the removal of a foreign body, which is critical in this case. Therefore, bronchoscopy is considered the best and most definitive approach in managing suspected cases of aspiration and addressing the underlying cause of the child's respiratory distress.