[A neglected bronchial foreign body for 23 years].

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Emergency Medicine
• Medical Case Reports

Background:

• Foreign body inhalation is a critical medical emergency, particularly in children, necessitating swift intervention to prevent complications.
• Chronic respiratory symptoms can sometimes mask underlying endobronchial foreign bodies, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

Observation:

• A rare case of a foreign body remaining in an adult's bronchus for 23 years, initially misdiagnosed as intermittent asthma.
• The patient developed severe sepsis of pulmonary origin, which ultimately led to the correct diagnosis.

Findings:

• Rigid bronchoscopy successfully removed the long-standing foreign body.
• Post-removal treatment included antibiotic therapy and respiratory physiotherapy, resulting in the resolution of pulmonary suppuration.
• A small, asymptomatic bronchial dilatation was the only residual finding.

Implications:

• Chronic, unexplained respiratory issues warrant investigation with imaging and endoscopy to rule out endobronchial causes, including overlooked foreign bodies.
• Early detection and removal of bronchial foreign bodies are crucial to avert severe complications like sepsis and long-term lung damage.