Nose Pin Found Lodged in Lung: Gynaecologist's X-Ray Highlights Silent Danger
In a startling medical revelation, a gynaecologist has shared a chest X-ray showing a piece of jewellery lodged deep in a patient's lung, underscoring the hidden risks associated with everyday accessories. Dr Priya S P Patil posted the image on Instagram, warning women who wear nose pins to exercise caution after discovering the back of a nose pin had been inhaled and settled in the lung without immediate symptoms.
Unusual Discovery During Routine Check-Up
Dr Patil explained in a video that the patient had come for surgery, and the X-ray revealed the foreign object. "Let me show you something unusual. A chest X-ray of a woman who had come to us for surgery. It is the back of her nose pin that got loose, and she inhaled it. It has gone and lodged in her lung," she said. In her caption, she added that while the patient was asymptomatic, such objects can pose serious long-term risks, including infection, airway obstruction, or inflammation.
How Can Small Objects Enter the Lung Without Symptoms?
Dr Manas Mengar, a consultant pulmonologist at KIMS Hospitals in Thane, noted that small objects like jewellery can slip into the airway during everyday activities such as talking, coughing, laughing, or adjusting accessories. "If the object is tiny, it may not immediately block breathing. Some people may feel mild throat discomfort or a brief cough that settles quickly, making the incident easy to miss," he said. This explains why the patient in this case did not experience obvious symptoms initially.
Symptoms and Risks of Foreign Objects in the Lung
Symptoms can vary widely, according to Dr Mengar. "Some people might develop a persistent cough, chest discomfort, wheezing, or frequent chest infections. Others may feel fine for weeks or months. In rare cases, the object is discovered incidentally during imaging for another reason, just like in this situation," he explained. Leaving a foreign object in the lung is risky because it can irritate the airway lining over time, leading to infections, lung inflammation, bleeding, or breathing difficulties. Metallic items, in particular, can cause local tissue damage if not removed promptly.
Removal Procedures and Prevention Tips
Most cases are managed through bronchoscopic procedures, where a thin tube with a camera is inserted into the airway to locate and safely remove the object. "This avoids open surgery and allows for faster recovery when done on time," said Dr Mengar. To prevent such incidents, he advises regularly checking loose nose pins, earrings, or small accessories and avoiding adjusting jewellery while lying down or during sudden movements. Using secure fittings and being cautious during sleep or physical activity can also lower the risk.
Key Takeaways for Public Awareness
Unusual breathing symptoms or a persistent cough should not be ignored, even if they seem minor. "Everyday objects can sometimes enter the airway silently. Timely checks can prevent serious complications later," Dr Mengar emphasized. This case serves as a reminder that small accessories, often overlooked, can pose significant health hazards if not handled with care.
