Doctors save infant after toy gets lodged in throat

Mangaluru: An eight-month-old infant was successfully treated at AJ Hospital and Research Centre after being referred with a history of foreign body ingestion that became lodged in the upper airway/food passage. The girl child previously underwent multiple unsuccessful attempts to remove a toy that the infant swallowed elsewhere before being referred to AJ Hospital. On arrival, the infant was noted to have bleeding from the nose and mouth, a change in voice, and marked irritability. Despite the alarming symptoms, the baby was haemodynamically stable.
An urgent X-ray of the neck and chest was immediately performed. Based on the findings, the infant was shifted to the endoscopy suite for emergency intervention without delay. Indirect laryngoscopy identified the impacted foreign body, which was carefully and successfully removed by Dr Akshatha Shetty, paediatric intensivist. A detailed check endoscopy was subsequently performed by Dr Prasad BS, paediatric gastroenterologist, to rule out any retained fragments and assess for internal injury. The successful outcome was achieved through coordinated multidisciplinary teamwork. Valuable support was provided by Dr Meghana, paediatrician, and Dr Sambhram, postgraduate resident, along with the endoscopy team, casualty staff, PICU nursing team, and anaesthesia technician. Hospital authorities emphasised the importance of seeking immediate medical care in cases of suspected foreign body ingestion. They cautioned parents and caregivers against repeated or forceful removal attempts, as such actions may cause serious internal injury, bleeding, or airway compromise. The infant responded well to treatment, remained stable during observation in the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU), and was safely discharged, stated Dr Prashanth Marla K, medical director, AJ Hospital and Research Centre.