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Published on: January 17, 2011
Delayed presentation of paediatric tracheal foreign body
Simon J Davis1, Gerry Madden, Denise Carapiet
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Portsmouth NHS Trust, Cosham Hill, Cosham, Portsmouth, PO6 3LY, UK. sd4166@hotmail.com
Insights
A child
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Pediatric Airway Foreign Bodies
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Foreign body aspiration is a common pediatric emergency.
- Delayed diagnosis can lead to significant morbidity.
Observation:
- A 21-month-old child presented with exertional wheezing after a choking episode.
- A plastic foreign body with a central lumen was lodged in the mid trachea.
Findings:
- Bronchoscopy successfully retrieved the tracheal foreign body.
- The lumen in the foreign body allowed partial ventilation, delaying presentation.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of thorough patient history in diagnosing airway foreign bodies.
- Underscores the need for prompt bronchoscopy in suspected cases.
- Informs anesthetic management for foreign body removal procedures.
Abstract:
We report the case of a 21-month-old child who, after a choking episode, presented with a 4 week history of occasional respiratory wheeze on exertion. A plastic foreign body in the mid trachea was retrieved on bronchoscopy. The delay in presentation was related to the presence of a lumen within the foreign body permitting ventilation. The case demonstrates the importance of the history, the need for urgent bronchoscopy and the type of anaesthetic technique considered appropriate in such cases.
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