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Retained foreign body in a child
1Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Canniesburn Hospital, Glasgow, Scotland.
Insights
A child had a foreign body lodged in the airway for over 23 months, causing recurrent respiratory infections. Surgical removal led to a full recovery, highlighting delayed diagnosis challenges.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Otolaryngology
- Foreign Body Aspiration
Background:
- Foreign body aspiration in children is a common cause of respiratory distress.
- Delayed diagnosis can lead to chronic complications and prolonged illness.
Observation:
- A 3-year-old girl presented with recurrent upper respiratory tract infections.
- A foreign body was found lodged between the esophagus and trachea for over 23 months.
Findings:
- The foreign body caused significant respiratory distress, necessitating a tracheostomy.
- Surgical removal via a neck incision was successful.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering foreign body aspiration in children with persistent respiratory symptoms.
- Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for preventing long-term complications and ensuring favorable outcomes.
Abstract:
We present the case of a child who ingested or inhaled a foreign body that lodged between the esophagus and the trachea for more than 23 months. The only presenting complaint was of recurrent upper respiratory tract infections. The patient, a 3-year-old girl, required a tracheostomy to alleviate respiratory distress. She made a complete recovery after surgical removal of the foreign body through a neck incision.
