FOREIGN BODY ASPIRATION OF A PLASTIC CAP IMPACTED AT RIMA GLOTTIDIS IN AN INFANT
Formerly Published in Vol 14 No. 5 Jan. – Jun., 2026
Keywords:
foreign body, aspiration, children, paediatricAbstract
Background: Foreign body aspiration in children often occurs suddenly and dramatically, and can manifest in various ways including respiratory distress, suffocation, asphyxiation and death.
Case presentation: A 7-month old female infant presented to the children emergency ward with history of foreign body aspiration. Multiple attempts at retrieval had been made by the mother and at initial health facility prior to presentation. No neuromuscular blockade was administered and bag-mask ventilation was not performed during those initial interventions. On presentation the child was in severe respiratory distress evidenced by use of accessory muscles of respiration, dusky skin and oxygen saturation of 70% in room air. Oxygen therapy was commenced. The child was obtunded with agonal respiration. Laryngoscopy with MAC 2 blade was performed and revealed a plastic cap of Augmentin syrup located at the Rima glottides; this was carefully retrieved with Magill forceps. The colour, saturation and level of consciousness improved immediately, oxygen therapy was continued for a while and the patient was placed on intravenous dexamethasone. Impacted Foreign Body
Conclusion: Foreign body aspiration in the paediatrics age group can be life threatening; appropriate equipment and expertise are necessary for a good outcome.
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References
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