UNIQUE FOREIGN BODY CHEST DIAGNOSED INCIDENTALLY

Abstract

Foreign Body (F.B) inhalation is a common problem in children but is an uncommon occurrence in adults. Risk factors of F.B inhalation in adults are advanced age, altered state of consciousness due to drugs intoxication, poor dentition and neurological deficit. Sometime accurate diagnosis of F.B inhalation may be missed even by an experienced clinician either the initial choking episode is not witnessed or the delayed symptoms may mimic other clinical condition like asthma, pneumonia, recurrent upper respiratory tract infection and persistent cough. We present such a unique long standing F.B (tooth) in right main bronchus in an old lady which is diagnosed incidentally and was removed with rigid bronchoscope successfully, although F.B is a rare incidence in adults but it must be kept in mind while dealing the patient with chronic cough.

Keywords: Foreign body, Rigid bronchoscopy, Tracheobronchial tree