An unusual foreign body impaction in the pharynx of a child - A case report and literature review

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Foreign body impaction in the upper aero-digestive tract is relatively common in Otorhino/aryngological practice. The aim is to present a case of an unusual impacted foreign body (ear ring), in the pharynx of a child,that was confirmed by plain radiographs. CASE REPORT: An 8-month old male baby presented in emergency paediatric unit(EPU) of our hospital with a history of ingestion of an empty paracetamol satchel. Plain X-ray soft tissue of the neck however revealed a big metallic ear ring that impacted in the upper aerodigestive tract. It was removed successfully under general anaesthesia. The possible delay in diagnosis and various complications of pharyngeal foreign bodies were highlighted /reviewed. CONCLUSION: In conclusion foreign body impaction is common in the paediatric age group. Effort should be made by the attending physician to inquire into details of event relating to ingestion of foreign body in order to arrive at early and timely diagnosis and treatment so as to prevent complications.