Mangaluru: An eight-month-old infant was successfully treated at AJ Hospital and Research Centre after a foreign body became lodged in the upper airway/food passage, posing a potentially life-threatening emergency.

The child was referred to the hospital after multiple unsuccessful attempts at removal elsewhere. On arrival, the infant showed bleeding from the nose and mouth, a change in voice, and marked irritability. Despite these alarming symptoms, the baby was hemodynamically stable.

Emergency diagnosis and intervention

Doctors immediately conducted an urgent X-ray of the neck and chest. Based on the findings, the infant was shifted without delay to the endoscopy suite for emergency intervention.

Indirect laryngoscopy revealed the impacted foreign body. The object was carefully and successfully removed by Dr Akshatha Shetty, Paediatric Intensivist. Following the extraction, a detailed check endoscopy was performed by Dr Prasad B S, Paediatric Gastroenterologist, to ensure no fragments remained and to assess for internal injury.

Coordinated multidisciplinary response

Hospital authorities credited the positive outcome to swift and coordinated teamwork. Support was provided by Dr Meghana, Paediatrician, and Dr Sambhram, Postgraduate Resident, along with the endoscopy team, casualty staff, PICU nursing team and anaesthesia technician.

The infant remained stable during observation in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and was later discharged safely.

Advisory for parents and caregivers

Doctors emphasised that suspected foreign body ingestion in infants requires immediate medical attention. They cautioned parents against repeated or forceful removal attempts at home or in non-specialised settings, as such actions can cause serious internal injury, bleeding or airway compromise.

Comprehensive paediatric care

The Department of Paediatrics at AJ Hospital provides advanced and comprehensive care for newborns, infants, children and adolescents. The facility includes:

  • A fully functional Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
  • Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
  • 24/7 emergency and trauma services
  • Advanced endoscopy and minimally invasive intervention facilities
  • Multidisciplinary specialist support

With round-the-clock availability of paediatric specialists, intensivists, gastroenterologists, anaesthesiologists and trained nursing staff, the hospital ensures rapid diagnosis and timely intervention in critical cases.