Toddler inhales toy pearl; emergency bronchoscopy saves child in Kochi

Kochi: A toddler from Fort Kochi was rushed to hospitals after she suddenly developed breathing difficulty following the accidental inhalation of a pearl from a toy.

The child was initially taken to two hospitals in Kochi but was later referred to VPS Lakeshore Hospital because specialised paediatric bronchoscopy facilities were not available there. After clinical evaluation and imaging, doctors confirmed that the pearl was lodged deep inside the child's airway.

"We were terrified when our child suddenly developed breathing difficulty. She told us that she had accidentally inhaled a pearl from her toy. We tried first-aid measures after watching online videos, but nothing helped. We are extremely grateful to the doctors and staff at VPS Lakeshore Hospital for saving our child," said the child's mother, who requested anonymity.

An emergency bronchoscopy was performed under general anaesthesia by the Department of Pulmonology, led by Dr Hari Lakshmanan, in coordination with the Department of Anaesthesiology.

Doctors carefully retrieved the pearl using a bronchoscope without causing injury to the lungs. The child recovered well and was discharged in a stable condition.

Dr Hari Lakshmanan said foreign body aspiration can become a medical emergency, particularly among young children.

"Whenever choking is suspected, parents should immediately attempt first-aid measures such as five back blows followed by five abdominal thrusts (Heimlich manoeuvre), if appropriate. If these measures fail, the child must be rushed without delay to a centre equipped with paediatric bronchoscopy facilities and experienced specialists. Timely referral and coordinated teamwork are crucial for a successful outcome," he said.

He advised parents to seek immediate medical attention if choking is suspected and said appropriate first-aid measures should be attempted while ensuring the child reaches a facility equipped to perform paediatric bronchoscopy when required.

He also stressed that delays can result in complete airway blockage, serious lung infections and other potentially life-threatening complications.

"Timely referral to centres equipped with specialised paediatric bronchoscopy facilities is crucial in such cases. Any delay in treatment can lead to complete blockage of the airway, severe lung infections and other life-threatening complications. Parents should seek immediate medical attention if they suspect that a child has inhaled a small object," he said.

Doctors advised parents to keep small objects such as toy pearls, beads, buttons, coins, batteries, pins and nuts away from young children.

Sudden choking, persistent coughing, noisy breathing or difficulty breathing after a child may have swallowed or inhaled an object should be treated as a medical emergency