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Published on: February 26, 2017
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.
Abstract:
We describe the case of a 14-month-old child with airway obstruction caused by a mature Ascaris lumbricoides worm. The child had been admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit due to overwhelming sepsis, and during the course of his illness developed acute airway obstruction that resolved once the worm was removed from the airway. The Ascaris life-cycle is detailed, and a literature review of patients with airway obstruction due to Ascaris worms is presented.
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