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An impacted meat bone in the larynx with an unusual presentation
Insights
Foreign bodies in the aero-digestive tract are common in children and often preventable. This case highlights a rare laryngeal foreign body presenting solely with hoarseness.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Medicine
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Foreign body lodgment in the aero-digestive tract is a frequent occurrence in infants and children.
- Accidental ingestion, often due to carelessness, accounts for 90% of these cases and is preventable.
- Certain adult populations, including those with cognitive impairments or specific occupations, are also at risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case of a laryngeal foreign body.
- To emphasize the importance of considering unusual presentations of foreign body ingestion.
- To highlight the need for careful diagnostic and management approaches.
Main Methods:
- Case report presentation.
- Clinical history and symptom analysis.
- Diagnostic evaluation for laryngeal foreign body.
Main Results:
- A case of an impacted meat bone in the larynx is described.
- The patient's sole presenting complaint was hoarseness of voice for two weeks.
- This presentation is atypical for laryngeal foreign body impaction.
Conclusions:
- Foreign bodies in the aero-digestive tract require meticulous management due to potential life-threatening complications.
- Unusual presentations, such as isolated hoarseness, should prompt thorough investigation for foreign bodies.
- Prompt and careful evaluation is crucial for successful foreign body removal and patient outcomes.
Abstract:
Lodgment of foreign bodies in the aero-digestive tract commonly occurs in the infant and children (Hazra et al, Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1993;2:216). Children especially between 1 and 3 years appear to be more vulnerable (Aylec et al, J Thoracic Cardiovascular Surg 1977;74:145). Ninety percent of these foreign bodies are accidental in nature and are due to carelessness and are avoidable (Holinger and Holinger. Chest 1978;73:721). Lodgment of foreign body has been usually seen to occur in mentally retarded intoxicated, or edentulous adult and to some other persons like fishermen. electrician, and decoration worker who use to hold those materials in between their teeth during their work. Usually, the victims present with respiratory distress. hoarseness of voice and/or dysphagia, which are proceeded by a severe history of choking cough immediately after ingestion of foreign bodies. Heroic attempts of removal of the foreign bodies may be dangerous to life. Therefore, each case should be dealt with proper care and precautionary measures. Here we present a case of an impacted meat bone in the larynx with the only complaint of hoarseness of voice for 2 weeks.
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