Two young children were treated at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital after doctors performed successful surgeries to remove pieces of betel nut and singhara stuck in their windpipes. The interventions included advanced bronchoscopy techniques and were conducted over a span of five days, addressing serious respiratory issues that arose from foreign objects inhaled during play and meals.

The medical team was led by Dr Rakesh Joshi, Medical Superintendent and Head of the Pediatric Surgery Department. The collaboration involved several departments, including Paediatrics, Pediatric Surgery, and Anaesthesia, highlighting the hospital’s comprehensive approach to urgent medical situations.

Healthcare professionals underscored the potential dangers of foreign objects entering a child’s airway, emphasising that these situations can escalate into medical emergencies rapidly. Common items that may become lodged include nuts, coins, and small toys, which can lead to intense coughing, difficulty breathing, and dangerously low oxygen levels if not promptly treated.

First Case: Riyaben Thakor

The first patient, 18-month-old Riyaben Thakor, hails from Becharpura village in Visnagar taluka. On July 1, while playing, she accidentally swallowed a piece of betel nut, which resulted in severe coughing and respiratory distress. Initial imaging at a private hospital in Visnagar revealed that the lodged piece obstructed her airway on the right side.

Upon referral to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, Riyaben was admitted under the care of doctors Jolly G. Vaishnav and Priyanka Patel. After stabilising her condition, Dr Rakesh Joshi performed a bronchoscopy on July 2, successfully removing the obstruction. Additional support was provided by doctors Aditi Dhimar and Sonal Bhalawat during the procedure.

The toddler made a swift recovery, was disconnected from breathing support, and was discharged within a few days, allowing her to return home to her family.

Second Case: Rian Meghwal

The second case involved eight-month-old Rian Meghwal from Raniwara, Rajasthan, who reportedly swallowed a piece of singhara while playing on June 26. Following the incident, he exhibited persistent coughing and significant breathing difficulty. Rian received initial treatment at a local government facility before being transferred to a private hospital in Deesa for further care.

A CT scan indicated a suspected foreign object in his right main airway. After an unsuccessful bronchoscopy attempt at the private hospital, Rian was admitted to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital in a critical state and required oxygen support. Doctors Anuya V. Chauhan and Kripa Patel took charge of his care, and due to deteriorating respiratory conditions, he was placed on ventilator support.

Dr Rakesh Joshi performed an emergency bronchoscopy around midnight, successfully extracting the singhara pieces from Rian’s airway, with the anaesthesia team, led by Dr Milind Mewada, assisting during the procedure. Following two days on ventilator support, the infant made a full recovery and was discharged.

Safety Recommendations for Parents

Dr Rakesh Joshi cautioned that any foreign objects entering a child’s airway should be treated as a serious concern. He emphasised that timely intervention, including accurate diagnosis and bronchoscopy from a skilled medical team, is crucial in such cases.

Healthcare professionals also advised parents to keep small objects such as peanuts, betel nuts, beads, and small toys away from children, and to refrain from using home remedies when a child shows signs of persistent coughing or breathing difficulties. Immediate medical attention should be sought to avert possible complications.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share