On 27/4, Doctor Ly Pham Hoang Vinh, a specialist level one from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Children's Hospital 1, reported that the patient was transferred from a lower-level facility after two days of severe coughing, suspected of having an airway foreign object. The family could not identify what the child had aspirated or when it occurred.
X-ray results revealed a radiopaque foreign object in the right main bronchus, accompanied by partial right lung collapse and mediastinal emphysema. Recognizing the complex situation, Doctor Vinh and the anesthesia team immediately performed emergency airway endoscopy.
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Image of the foreign object on an X-ray film. Hospital provided |
Image of the foreign object on an X-ray film. Hospital provided
The foreign object was identified as an LED bulb, deeply embedded in the bronchus. According to Doctor Vinh, removing the object was particularly challenging due to the extremely small airway of a 9-month-old child. The bulb's wide, sharp base made it prone to getting stuck when pulled through the larynx, potentially causing mucosal tears or lodging between the vocal cords.
During the intervention, doctors had to rotate the foreign object gradually, carefully selecting the optimal angle to bring the bulb's head out first, minimizing damage. With such a sharp object, the risk of pneumothorax during removal was significant. Therefore, a thoracic surgery team was on standby to manage any complications.
After many careful maneuvers, the stuck LED bulb was safely extracted. Post-intervention, the child's airway was clear, with no significant damage or pneumothorax observed. Her respiratory condition improved, coughing decreased, and she is currently under observation, with early discharge expected.
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The removed LED bulb. Hospital provided |
The removed LED bulb. Hospital provided
Doctor Vinh emphasized that airway foreign objects in young children are always dangerous emergencies, especially those with unusual shapes like LED bulbs. These objects can not only cause obstruction but also scratch, perforate the airway, or lead to severe complications if not handled correctly. The hospital has treated many cases of children aspirating light bulbs at various ages.
This case also highlights that children can aspirate foreign objects unnoticed. Doctors advise parents not to let children mouth small items such as LED bulbs, batteries, or small components. Parents should observe children in daily activities and store small, sharp items securely.
If a child is suspected of aspirating a foreign object, perform the Heimlich maneuver correctly as first aid and promptly transport the child to a medical facility for timely intervention.
How to perform first aid for choking. Video provided by Ho Chi Minh City 115 Emergency Center
Le Phuong
