An Unexpected Finding in an Infant's Feeding Difficulty: A Diagnostic Challenge

Feeding difficulties represent a common yet clinically nonspecific presentation in infants, characterized by diverse etiologies. Accurate diagnosis is often challenged by limited verbal expression in infants and potentially imprecise medical histories provided by caregivers, contributing to persistent management challenges in certain cases. We report a case of feeding difficulty in an infant by an uncommon etiology. Comprehensive evaluation ultimately revealed a soft foreign body lodged in the pharyngolaryngeal region. Although infrequent, soft foreign bodies should be considered a plausible, albeit rare, etiology of infant feeding difficulties. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion, integrate detailed history-taking with thorough physical and instrumental examinations, and employ appropriate imaging modalities to minimize risks of misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis.