A rare case of massive foreign body aspiration mimic asthma

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Emergency Medicine
• Diagnostic Challenges in Pediatrics

Background:

• Foreign body aspiration (FBA) is a significant cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality, often leading to asphyxia.
• Misdiagnosis is common due to a wide range of symptoms, mimicking conditions like asthma and pneumonia.
• Delayed diagnosis can postpone crucial management, increasing patient risk.

Observation:

• A 4-year-old girl presented with symptoms initially misdiagnosed as asthma and pneumonia for four months.
• The patient had aspirated a large piece of meat, leading to significant respiratory distress.
• Initial diagnostic efforts failed to identify the foreign body, prolonging the misdiagnosis.

Findings:

• The misdiagnosis of foreign body aspiration (FBA) led to a four-month delay in appropriate treatment.
• Bronchoscopy with cryoprobe extraction successfully removed the aspirated meat.
• Timely and accurate diagnosis is critical for effective management of pediatric FBA.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering FBA in pediatric patients with persistent respiratory symptoms, even without clear initial evidence.
• Improved diagnostic strategies and increased physician awareness are crucial to prevent delayed management of FBA.
• Successful bronchoscopic intervention highlights its efficacy in treating complex pediatric FBA cases.