Near Complete Laryngopharyngeal Obstruction due to Vegetable Foreign Body in an Infant

• Main Authors: Rahul Gupta, Ashok Gupta
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: The Association of Otolaryngologists of India, West Bengal 2020-07-01
• Series: Bengal Journal of Otolaryngology and Head Neck Surgery
• Subjects: Foreign Bodies; Infant; Hypopharynx; Vegetables; Emergencies
• Online Access: https://bjohns.in/journal3/index.php/bjohns/article/view/159

Introduction Impaction of foreign bodies and obstruction in the upper aero-digestive tract is a medical emergency. Case Report A 5-month-old male infant presented with impacted large vegetable foreign body lying in the hypopharynx of an infant causing almost complete laryngeal obstruction. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was initiated and back blows were given between the blades of the scapula to assist in its removal. Only available curved artery forceps was gently passed beyond the foreign body; blades of the forceps were opened to engage it and foreign body was swept and rolled out. Patient was revived after intensive resuscitation. Conclusion Suspect foreign body in the upper aero-digestive tract in any child presenting with severe respiratory distress or apneic spells or choking. Foreign body may be removed with only available curved artery forceps by gently passing beyond it, followed by opening and engaging blades of the forceps to sweep and roll it out of the upper aero-digestive tract.