Acute airway obstruction by Ascaris lumbricoides in a 14-month-old boy

Richard Wei Chern Gan1, Rohit Gohil2, Katherine Belfield3

  • 1Ear, Nose & Throat Department, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Derby Rd, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.

Insights

Ascaris lumbricoides worms can cause severe airway obstruction in children. Prompt removal of the worm is crucial for resolving this life-threatening condition.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Intensive Care
  • Parasitology
  • Clinical Case Reports

Background:

  • Ascariasis is a common intestinal nematode infection globally.
  • Airway obstruction is a rare but serious complication of ascariasis.

Observation:

  • A 14-month-old child presented with sepsis and subsequently developed acute airway obstruction.
  • The obstruction was directly caused by a mature Ascaris lumbricoides worm lodged in the airway.

Findings:

  • Successful removal of the Ascaris worm led to the immediate resolution of airway obstruction.
  • The case highlights the importance of considering parasitic infections in pediatric airway emergencies.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the need for awareness of unusual presentations of ascariasis.
  • Early diagnosis and intervention are critical for managing Ascaris-induced airway obstruction in children.

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