Delayed diagnosis of laryngeal foreign body

Abstract

Aspiration of a foreign body is a recognized cause of accidental death in children. Paediatricians are aware of the symptoms of inhaled foreign bodies in the lower respiratory tract. However, symptoms which suggest impaction in the larynx do not appear to raise the same index of suspicion of a foreign body. One case of laryngeal foreign body is described with a delay in diagnosis of five days. The clinical presentation, investigations and management are discussed.

The Value of Flexible Laryngoscopy in Diagnosis of an Unusual Laryngeal Foreign Body: Spiny Cocklebur (Xanthium Spinosum)

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] Children under the age of three carry the highest risk since they have an intention to explore objects with their mouths. 5,7,11 A history of choking or aspiration strongly suggests a foreign body aspiration whereas its abscence makes the correct diagnosis more difficult or delayed.…”

“…5,7,11 A history of choking or aspiration strongly suggests a foreign body aspiration whereas its abscence makes the correct diagnosis more difficult or delayed. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] Of all signs and symptoms, a re-FIGURE 1: Spiny cocklebur lodged at supraglottic larynx. E: Epiglottis, SC: Spiny Cocklebur, Star: Posterior pharyngeal wall.…”

“…Although radiologic examinations are useful diagnostic procedures, normal radiological findings never exclude the diagnosis of FBA. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] AFL is the proven gold standard for diagnosis in this case. We believe any child with acute airway symptoms, regardless of history, suspicion index and radiological findings, should be evaluated with AFL.…”

Infected laryngeal foreign body: A case report

“…Foreign body aspiration is a major cause of accidental death in children. 1 Foreign body ingested can either enter the airway or oesophagus. If it enters the airway, it can either get lodged in larynx above the vocal cord or enter the trachea which may further lead to bronchi.…”

A foreign body of the larynx misdiagnosed as vocal cord paralysis

“…Foreign body aspiration is an important cause of morbidity and mortality and is a major cause of accidental death in children 1. Several factors leading to high incidence of aerodigestive tract foreign bodies in this age group include social factors such as lack of parental supervision, children’s habit of putting objects in their mouth and crying or playing during eating.…”