In a critical medical intervention, doctors at KMC Hospital Mangaluru successfully saved a 10-month-old infant from a life-threatening airway obstruction caused by a peanut. The incident highlights the severe dangers of foreign body aspiration in young children and the importance of immediate expert care.
A Sudden Crisis at Home
The emergency began at the child's home when adults were consuming peanuts. The infant, who was playing with other children, suddenly started coughing. According to the medical history, the child was suspected to have ingested peanuts. After the initial coughing episode subsided, the family believed the object had passed, and the child seemed to settle.
However, the situation took a dangerous turn as the day progressed. The child became increasingly lethargic and breathless. Mistaking the symptoms for a common cold or general illness, the parents initially did not grasp the severity. A crucial paediatric evaluation by Dr Srikanth Rao in Puttur raised a strong suspicion of foreign body aspiration, which was supported by X-ray findings. This led to an urgent referral to KMC Hospital Mangaluru.
Urgent Diagnosis and Expert Intervention
Upon arrival, the child was assessed by Dr Swathi Rao, a consultant paediatric intensivist. Despite initial hesitation from the family, the infant's condition deteriorated rapidly. Oxygen saturation levels plummeted to 88%, and visible respiratory distress set in. An urgent CT scan of the thorax provided a definitive diagnosis: a foreign body was obstructing the right bronchus. This blockage caused hyperinflation of the right lung and was compressing the left lung and heart, creating a dire situation.
Dr Gautham Kulamarva, a consultant ENT surgeon, was immediately consulted. He performed an emergency bronchoscopic removal procedure, safely extracting the obstructive foreign body from the right bronchus without any complications. Dr Kulamarva emphasised that bronchoscopic removal in young children is a very high-risk procedure that demands both timely action and specialised expertise.
Critical Lessons for Child Safety
The medical team at KMC Hospital Mangaluru issued a stern warning to parents and caregivers. Any suspicion of foreign body aspiration in children constitutes a medical emergency requiring immediate hospital care, as even short delays can prove fatal. Peanuts are among the most common culprits for such incidents.
Doctors strongly advise parents to follow these safety guidelines:
- Avoid giving small, hard foods like peanuts, seeds, or popcorn to children until they can chew properly, typically around 3–4 years of age.
- Always supervise young children during meals and play.
- Keep small objects, including toys with detachable parts and dangerous items like button batteries, completely out of reach of young children.
This successful rescue in Mangaluru serves as a powerful reminder of the hidden hazards in everyday environments and the critical need for vigilance to prevent such paediatric emergencies.
