Unusual Foreign Body Aspiration as a Cause of Asphyxia in Adults

Abstract

Most asphyxia deaths caused by foreign body aspiration occur in children and the elderly. It can also occur in specific high-risk groups of adults, such as those with underlying esophageal diseases, prisoners, those with mental retardation, and those with psychiatric illnesses. We report the case of a 49-year-old man, without previous medical history, who died rapidly after aspirating a sole fish while he was unraveling the fishing net using his teeth. At autopsy, the foreign body was found in the trachea, wedged in the carina and obstructing the right bronchus origin. The finding from the usual toxicological screening was negative.

Foreign Body Aspiration of a Dental Bridge in the Left Main Stem Bronchus

“…Since foreign bodies are typically stuck distally in the lower lobe bronchi or the bronchus intermedius, acute presentation in adults is rare; however, life-threatening asphyxia and sudden decompensation secondary to complete obstruction may occur [9]. Our patient presented with cough which is the most common presenting symptom.…”

An Unusual Case of Foreign Body Aspiration: A Case Report

“…11 Since foreign bodies are typically stuck distally in the lower lobe bronchi or the bronchus intermedius, acute presentation is rare; however, life-threatening asphyxia and sudden decompensation secondary to complete obstruction may occur. 12 Our patient presented with cough which is the most common presenting symptom. Other symptoms include fever, dyspnea.…”

“…14 Many foreign bodies are incidentally seen on radiographic imaging ordered for symptoms mistakenly attributed to other medical conditions including asthma and unresolving recurrent pneumonia. 12,14 If a diagnosis of foreign body aspiration is delayed, a retained foreign body may due to foreign body inhalation and bronchoscopy was advised. So a rigid bronchoscopy was done under general anesthesia and a foreign body (red long plastic piece which is a part of a toy) was found occluding part of trachea and left principal bronchus.…”

Unique Foreign Body Chest Diagnosed Incidentally

“…This case is also at variance from other studies where F.B aspiration is more common in male population as they are more prone to such incidence. F.B aspiration has some association with geo-cultural differences 7 . F.Bs could be either organic or inorganic.…”