Chicken bone in the bronchus masquerading as bronchopneumonia in an asthmatic boy

Abstract

Aim of the study: To emphasise the importance of a thorough history to exclude foreign body inhalation in children presenting with respiratory symptoms. Case study: We report a case of a 2-year-old boy with underlying bronchial asthma, who presented with cough and difficulty breathing of two-day duration, with no stridor. He was treated for acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma and bronchopneumonia. However, the symptoms persisted despite treatment. A detailed history revealed a choking episode while eating chicken curry prior admission. Bronchoscopy confirmed the presence of a piece of chicken bone in the left main bronchus, which was removed. The child was in good overall condition after the operation. Chest radiograph showed resolved lung collapse. Conclusion: A thorough history to exclude foreign body ingestion is necessary to avoid delayed complications of foreign body aspiration.

Keywords

• bronchopneumonia
• foreign body inhalation
• bronchus