Dyspnea Associated with Henna Stone: A Rare Cause of Pediatric Tracheotomy

Tracheotomy is one of the oldest surgical procedures, and it is a life-saving procedure to overcome upper airway obstructions. While congenital causes play an important role in pediatric tracheotomy indications, upper airway edema and obstruction due to anaphylaxis rarely require tracheotomy. Allergy can cause life-threatening acute edema by anaphylactic reactions in the respiratory tract. Henna stone is the material for dyeing hair with henna and making a temporary tattoo. It contains high proportions of paraphenylendiamine. In this study, the case of a 3-year-old boy who had accidentally drunk some henna stone solution that was prepared for hair dyeing at home and who had to undergo emergency tracheotomy because of upper airway obstruction is presented. The potential dangerous effects of this material and the importance of emergency tracheotomy as a life-saving procedure are emphasized.