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Dyspnea and dysphagia in a child due to an antrochoanal polyp
Auris, Nasus, Larynx
|January 1, 1984
Insights
A massive antrochoanal polyp caused breathing and swallowing difficulties in a 3-year-old girl. Emergency surgery successfully removed the polyp, avoiding the need for a tracheostomy.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Antrochoanal polyps (ACPs) are benign inflammatory masses originating from the maxillary sinus.
- Large ACPs can cause significant airway obstruction and feeding difficulties in pediatric patients.
Observation:
- A 3-year-old female presented with severe dyspnea and dysphagia.
- Examination revealed a massive left nasal polyp (11 cm x 3 cm) obstructing the entire nostril and extending to the laryngopharynx.
- Mucoid discharge was noted.
Findings:
- The immense size of the antrochoanal polyp was the direct cause of the patient's respiratory and swallowing distress.
- Surgical removal of the polyp was technically feasible and curative.
Implications:
- Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for managing large ACPs in children.
- Successful polypectomy can prevent the need for more invasive procedures like tracheostomy.
- This case highlights the potential for ACPs to cause life-threatening airway compromise.
Abstract:
A 3-year-old girl with complaints of dyspnea and dysphagia due to a huge antrochoanal polyp is presented. On examination of the left nostril a huge polyp occupying whole of the nostril was seen with mucoid discharge. It was so huge that it was reaching the laryngopharynx and causing dyspnea and dysphagia (11 cm in length and 3 cm in diameter). The tracheostomy was avoided by performing an emergency polypectomy.