Man's near-fatal incident involving swallowed fish bone lodged in feeding tube, Krasnodar region.
A peculiar situation unfolded at Krasnodar's Regional Hospital No1 when an emergency patient arrived complaining of choking, excessive salivation, and trouble swallowing. The initial examination of the ear, nose, and throat didn't reveal any abnormalities, but a possibility of a foreign body in the esophagus was suspected.
Upon further investigation with an endoscope, a shocking revelation was made - a fish bone was lodged dangerously in the larynx, a case so rare it can put one's life at stake. The bone was embedded into the larynx wall on both sides, posing a potential threat to breathing, inflammation, and even death. Luckily, thanks to the skilful endoscopists and specialized forceps, the bone was carefully extracted, averting any severe consequences.
In the broader context, a fish bone lodged in the larynx is an uncommon yet potentially serious medical predicament. Here's a breakdown of its frequency, symptoms, and treatments.
Most foreign bodies in the body, particularly those ingested with food containing bones or shells, pass safely through the digestive tract. However, when they end up in the larynx, it's exponentially less common. These objects usually become stuck in the esophagus or stomach; only a negligible fraction causes airway blockage. Although deaths from complications due to foreign body ingestion, including fish bones, are uncommon, they are significant, accounting for approximately 1,500 deaths annually in the United States.
The symptoms of this condition are alarming, with difficulty breathing or noisy breathing (stridor), indicating airway obstruction, being a clear emergency. Other indicators may include severe throat or neck pain, a choking feeling, inability to swallow, voice changes, and the sensation of something stuck in the throat. Complications could lead to abscess formation, tissue death, progressive swelling, and worsened airway compromise.
Treatment for this critical condition involves immediate specialist evaluation if airway compromise is suspected. Home remedies or forceful swallowing should be avoided because they might exacerbate the injury or push the bone deeper. Medical examination and visualization (laryngoscopy, either flexible or rigid) help locate and assess the bone, after which specialists use instruments such as forceps or endoscopes for removal under anesthesia if necessary, especially when in the larynx. After removal, it's vital to monitor the patient for signs of infection, airway swelling, or secondary complications. Antibiotics might be prescribed if an infection is present.
In a nutshell, while a laryngeal fish bone is unusual, it can be deadly due to the risk of airway obstruction and severe complications. Immediate specialist assessment and removal are crucial for the patient's safety.
- The incident at Krasnodar's Regional Hospital No1 highlights the potential severity of fish bones lodged in the larynx, which can be categorized under health-and-wellness concerns related to medical-conditions and therapies-and-treatments.
- Further research on such cases would be beneficial in understanding their frequency and symptoms, as well as the optimal procedures for diagnosis and extraction, contributing significantly to the field of science and medical advancements.
