What is a common physical finding in cases of foreign body aspiration?

In cases of foreign body aspiration, asymmetric breath sounds are a common physical finding due to the obstruction caused by the aspirated object. When a foreign body becomes lodged in the airway, typically in one of the main bronchi, it can obstruct airflow on the affected side. This obstruction leads to a decrease or absence of breath sounds on that side, while the other side continues to have normal or increased breath sounds. This disparity in breath sounds is a key indicator that can help healthcare providers identify the presence of a foreign body.

Other options do not accurately reflect typical findings in foreign body aspiration. Increased breath sounds bilaterally would imply equal airflow in both lungs, which is not the case when one side is obstructed. Stridor, while indicative of upper airway obstruction, is less common in cases where the obstruction occurs in the lower airways. Clear lung fields would suggest no presence of a foreign body or respiratory difficulty, which contradicts the situation of foreign body aspiration. As such, the presence of asymmetric breath sounds is a critical and observable sign that guides further assessment and management of the patient.