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Esophageal foreign body presenting with stridor: report of one case
1Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Children's Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Insights
A 12-month-old infant experienced acute respiratory distress due to an esophageal foreign body. Misdiagnosed initially, clinical suspicion and endoscopy are crucial for diagnosing and managing such cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Esophageal foreign bodies are a common pediatric emergency.
- Atypical presentations can delay diagnosis and treatment.
Observation:
- A 12-month-old infant presented with acute respiratory distress and stridor.
- The infant was initially misdiagnosed with upper respiratory infections.
Findings:
- The cause was an impacted proximal esophageal foreign body.
- Diagnosis was delayed due to atypical symptoms.
Implications:
- Clinical suspicion is paramount in diagnosing esophageal foreign bodies.
- Endoscopic examination is essential for diagnosis and management.
- Prompt diagnosis and intervention can prevent serious complications.
Abstract:
We report a case of a 12-month-old infant who developed acute respiratory distress with stridor from an impacted proximal esophageal foreign body. She was treated inappropriately as upper respiratory infections prior to the validation of the presenting complaint. Difficulties in diagnosis of esophageal foreign bodies arise, when the patient presents with atypical symptoms. Clinical suspicion remains the most important aid to diagnosis and endoscopic examination is essential for the diagnosis and successful management of foreign bodies in the esophagus.