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Delayed diagnosis of laryngeal foreign body
W V Jesudason1, D A Luff, M P Rothera
1Department of Otolaryngology, Royal Preston Hospital, Preston, UK.
Insights
Foreign body aspiration in children can be fatal. Laryngeal foreign bodies often present with subtle symptoms, leading to diagnostic delays, as seen in one case study.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Emergency Medicine
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Foreign body aspiration is a significant cause of pediatric mortality.
- While lower airway foreign bodies are well-recognized, laryngeal impaction symptoms are often overlooked.
Observation:
- A case of a laryngeal foreign body in a child is presented.
- Diagnosis was delayed by five days due to atypical or unrecognized symptoms.
Findings:
- Laryngeal foreign bodies may present with non-specific signs, lowering clinical suspicion.
- Delayed diagnosis can complicate management and increase risks.
Implications:
- Increased awareness of laryngeal foreign body symptoms in children is crucial for prompt diagnosis.
- Early recognition and intervention are vital to prevent severe outcomes from pediatric airway foreign bodies.
Abstract:
Aspiration of a foreign body is a recognized cause of accidental death in children. Paediatricians are aware of the symptoms of inhaled foreign bodies in the lower respiratory tract. However, symptoms which suggest impaction in the larynx do not appear to raise the same index of suspicion of a foreign body. One case of laryngeal foreign body is described with a delay in diagnosis of five days. The clinical presentation, investigations and management are discussed.