A Life-Saving Emergency Managed Successfully in Holy Spirit Hospital under the expert care of
Paediatrician: Dr. Devidas Chavan
ENT Surgeons:Â Dr. Vishal Tyagi, Dr. Diane Biju
PICU:Â Intensivist and staff
A 10-month-old baby was brought to the Emergency ward with history of sudden onset of coughing, noisy breathing, and difficulty in breathing. According to the mother, the child had been playing with the elder sibling when he suddenly started choking, coughing violently and developed bluish discoloration of lips, where patient was given emergency treatment. In view of persistent stridor and respiratory distress patient was intubated and given mechanical ventillatory support in PICU.
| Important findings included: Fast breathing (tachypnea) Wheezing sounds on the right side Reduced air entry into the right lung |
A Chest X-ray was done which showed that the right lung was overinflated due to trapped air, a condition called obstructive emphysema.
These findings were strongly suggestive of the possibility of foreign Body Aspiration.
A CT Scan Chest with Virtual Bronchoscope was done which confirmed the diagnosis of Foreign body in Right Bronchus.
A Rigid bronchoscopy was performed under General anesthesia.
A Linear hard foreign body which was identified as stem of a fruit (size – 2×2 cms) was seen embedded in the right main bronchus. The object was meticulously removed.
Later a repeat check Xray Chest confirmed that there was no remnant of any foreign body in the lungs.
The child recovered well clinically and hemodynamically and was discharged after 48 hours without any complications.
What is Foreign Body Aspiration?
Foreign body aspiration occurs when an object accidentally enters the windpipe (airway) instead of the food pipe. This is very common in children between 6 months and 3 years of age because babies naturally explore objects by putting them into their mouths.
Small objects such as beads, nuts, buttons, coins, and toy parts can easily slip into the airway and can get embedded. The right bronchus (airway leading to the right lung) is the most common site because it is wider and straighter than the left side.
Child Safety Awareness Tips
Tips to remember for kids in early childhood:
| Keep small objects away from children — especially hard and pointed metals, plastic, batteries, marbles and crayons. Avoid giving nuts or hard food. Supervise children during playtime and meal time. Choose age-appropriate toys without detachable small parts. |
