Acute-onset Breathlessness: An Unexpected Etiology?

Area of Science:

• Critical care medicine
• Pulmonology
• Emergency medicine

Background:

• Acute-onset breathlessness is a common presentation in emergency settings, with diverse underlying etiologies.
• While common causes like pneumonia or heart failure are frequently considered, less common causes such as foreign body aspiration can be missed, particularly in adults.
• Alcohol intoxication can impair protective airway reflexes, increasing the risk of aspiration.

Observation:

• A 40-year-old male presented with acute-onset breathlessness and severe hypoxia.
• The patient had a history of alcohol intoxication preceding the onset of symptoms.
• A non-asphyxiating organic foreign body was suspected as the cause of the respiratory distress.

Findings:

• Diagnostic workup confirmed the presence of an aspirated organic foreign body.
• Bronchoscopy revealed the foreign body obstructing the airway.
• Successful removal of the foreign body was achieved via bronchoscopy.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering foreign body aspiration in the differential diagnosis of acute breathlessness in adults, even in the absence of typical risk factors.
• Prompt diagnosis and intervention, such as bronchoscopy, are crucial for favorable outcomes.
• Awareness of this potentially life-threatening condition can improve patient management and reduce morbidity.