Invasive Invaders: Indian Sandbur Seeds in Western Rajasthan

Foreign bodies in the aerodigestive tract present a common emergency in ENT OPDs. Patients typically present with symptoms such as pain on swallowing, vomiting, choking, voice changes, cough, and respiratory distress. In the upper aerodigestive tract, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits are commonly inhaled foreign bodies. Indian Sandbur seeds, known as Bharunt locally, are frequently encountered in the larynx of individuals residing in the arid regions of Rajasthan and Punjab. A retrospective observational study was conducted on 50 patients with aerodigestive foreign bodies who presented to the ENT OPD at Sawai Man Singh Medical College, Jaipur, from May 2021 to July 2022. Demographic information, preoperative telelaryngoscopy pictures, and intraoperative findings were collected from medical records. 13 patients with Indian sandbur seeds as foreign bodies were included in the study. The mean age was 24.5 years, with the majority in the age group of 20-25 years. Most patients resided in dry areas and were engaged in farming or outdoor occupations. The most common complaints were change in voice and throat pain. The true vocal cords were the most common site of lodging of foreign bodies. The majority of patients presented within three to six hours of ingesting the foreign body. The presence of Indian sandbur seeds as foreign bodies in the larynx is an overlooked public health concern. Early detection and prompt treatment are essential to prevent complications. Public awareness and collaboration with government bodies are necessary to address this issue effectively.