What is the recommended procedure for suspected foreign body obstruction in a patient presenting with unilateral wheezing?

When a patient presents with unilateral wheezing, it is a strong indicator that there may be an obstruction in one of the airways, potentially caused by a foreign body. Rigid bronchoscopy is the recommended procedure in this case because it allows for direct visualization and removal of the obstruction. This procedure is particularly effective for foreign body retrieval, especially in cases involving children who are at a higher risk for airway obstruction due to aspiration.

The use of rigid bronchoscopy is advantageous because it provides a clear pathway and adequate access to the airways, facilitating both diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. In situations where there is a suspected foreign body, prompt action is critical to prevent further complications such as complete airway obstruction or asphyxia, making rigid bronchoscopy the most appropriate and immediate action to take.

Other options such as chest x-ray and observation may not provide the timely intervention needed for a suspected airway obstruction. While imaging can be useful for diagnosis, it does not address the underlying problem of the obstruction itself. MRI is not utilized in cases of suspected foreign body aspiration due to its limitations in evaluating the airways and the potential need for immediate action.