Pune: A 4-year-old girl was brought to Jupiter Hospital, Pune, after persistent wheezing led to the discovery of a button battery lodged in her bronchus. The incident occurred when the child accidentally swallowed the battery while eating, initially causing a sudden coughing fit.
Concerned parents sought treatment from a local paediatrician, but as symptoms persisted, further investigations revealed the foreign object in her Bronchus.
Aware of the potential complications, the child was taken to Jupiter Hospital for further evaluation. After a detailed assessment, Dr Abhijit Benare performed an emergency bronchoscopy, ensuring the parents were informed about the risks and possible outcomes beforehand.
Shedding light on the procedure, Dr Benare explained that during the bronchoscopy, the foreign object, which was a button battery, was carefully removed. The patient’s recovery was smooth, and she was discharged on the third day after the procedure.
Dr Tejas Hambir, Paediatrician & Intensivist, shared insights into the case, “foreign body aspiration is common in children, with the most frequent culprits being food items like peanuts and almonds. However, the ingestion of a button battery is rare and carries unique risks.”
Dr Benare further added, “that button batteries can cause significant harm as they release alkaline substances that can erode the bronchial cartilage. This can lead to life-threatening complications such as mediastinitis (inflammation in the chest cavity) and fistula formation, which may require major surgery if not addressed in time.”
Senior Anaesthetist Dr Snehal Shool shared the challenges involved: “Administering anaesthesia in such cases is complex and requires a high level of expertise due to the potential complications. Factors such as maintaining airway safety and dealing with bronchial damage need careful management.”
This incident highlights the importance of prompt medical intervention and awareness about the dangers of small objects like button batteries, which can pose serious risks to children.
Early diagnosis and timely treatment are critical to preventing complications in such cases.