Unique Foreign Bodies in the Aerodigestive Tract
Abstract
Adekanye AG, Umana AN, Offiong ME, Mgbe RB, Kuni JI, Oku OO and Akintomide AO
Aerodigestive tract is the combined organs and tissues of respiratory and upper part of the digestive tract. It includes the lips, mouth, tongue, nose, throat, larynx, pyriform sinus, pharynx and oesophagus. Foreign bodies in these anatomic sites are potential cause of morbidity and mortality. Most frequently occurs in children or adults with mental illness, less common in older children and adult. Clinico-radiological assessment of the patient is vital in making the diagnosis. We reported 3 patients with unique foreign bodies in aero-digestive tract. The first was a 3years 10month old child with non-radiopaque material in the oesophagus. The second was a 45year old farmer with spring of flash- light held in his mouth as source of light while ridding a motorcycle in the night. The last case was of a 5year old girl whose tongue was impacted in her school water bottle. These cases highlight diagnostic difficulties and safety concern and awareness in poor resource setting