Magnesium Oxide as an Unexpected Bronchial Foreign Body in an Elderly Patient

Abstract

As cases of magnesium oxide pill aspiration are rare, the associated airway proinflammatory properties and appropriate analytic strategies remain unclear. An 81-year-old woman presenting with dyspnea was diagnosed with magnesium oxide pill aspiration. Computed tomography, a "mixing test" with levodopa, and a magnesium content analysis revealed a similar density between the foreign body and her prescribed magnesium oxide pill. The patient recovered without airway complications after foreign body removal. Clinicians should be aware of magnesium oxide tablets as potential bronchial foreign bodies in elderly patients because they may not dissolve without exposure to gastric juices.