Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Feb 27: An 8-month-old infant was successfully treated at AJ Hospital and Research Centre after being referred with a history of foreign body ingestion that had become lodged in the upper airway/food passage.

The child had previously undergone multiple unsuccessful attempts at removal elsewhere before being referred to AJ Hospital. On arrival, the infant was noted to have bleeding from the nose and mouth, a change in voice, and marked irritability. Despite the alarming symptoms, the baby was hemodynamically stable.

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

Indirect laryngoscopy identified the impacted foreign body, which was carefully and successfully removed by Dr Akshatha Shetty, paediatric intensivist. A detailed check endoscopy was subsequently performed by Dr Prasad BS, paediatric gastroenterologist, to rule out any retained fragments and assess for internal injury.

The successful outcome was the result of coordinated multidisciplinary teamwork. Valuable support was provided by Dr Meghana, paediatrician, and Dr Sambhram, postgraduate resident, along with the endoscopy team, casualty staff, PICU nursing team, and anesthesia technician.

Hospital authorities emphasised the importance of seeking immediate medical care in cases of suspected foreign body ingestion. They cautioned parents and caregivers against repeated or forceful removal attempts, as such actions may cause serious internal injury, bleeding, or airway compromise.

The infant responded well to treatment, remained stable during observation in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), and has now been safely discharged.

Comprehensive paediatric care at AJ Hospital

The department of paediatrics at AJ Hospital and Research Centre provides comprehensive and advanced care for newborns, infants, children, and adolescents. The hospital is equipped with:

• 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, anesthesiologists, and trained nursing staff, the hospital ensures rapid diagnosis and timely intervention in critical cases.