Which age group is most likely to experience respiratory distress from foreign body obstruction?

Infants are most likely to experience respiratory distress from foreign body obstruction due to several anatomical and developmental factors. Infants have smaller airways compared to older children and adults, which makes them more susceptible to blockage by foreign objects. Their natural inclination to explore by putting objects in their mouths, combined with a lack of coordination and the developmental stage in which they are unable to fully understand risks, increases the likelihood of choking incidents.

In this age group, the respiratory system is still developing, and infants may struggle significantly more to clear an obstruction when compared to older children or adults. The refinement of reflexes and motor skills necessary to handle such situations typically improves as a child grows. As a result, while respiratory distress from foreign body obstruction can occur in individuals of any age, infants represent the highest risk group due to their unique physiological attributes and behavior patterns.