3-Year-Old’s Chronic Cough Traced to Toy Bulb in Lung – Removed at Jaslok Hospital

Mumbai: In a rare and extraordinary medical case, doctors at Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre successfully removed a metal LED bulb lodged in the lung of a 3.5-year-old child, putting an end to a three-month-long struggle with persistent cough and respiratory distress.

The child had been suffering from what was initially diagnosed as pneumonia and was treated with multiple courses of antibiotics. Despite extensive care, his symptoms persisted, prompting advanced investigations, including a CT scan, which revealed a metallic foreign body lodged deep in the left bronchus.

Following unsuccessful attempts at flexible bronchoscopy in Kolhapur, the child was referred to Jaslok Hospital, where a rigid bronchoscopy revealed the embedded foreign object and a severely narrowed bronchus.

A mini thoracotomy (4cm cut) was then performed by Dr. Vimesh Rajput and Dr. Divya Prabhat, successfully removing the object — an LED bulb from a toy car — and restoring the child’s lung function. The surgery was well-supported by Dr Anurag Jain, Consultant Anesthesiologist.

Speaking about the case, Dr. Vimesh Rajput, Thoracic Surgeon at Jaslok Hospital, said, “This was one of the rarest cases we’ve encountered. The LED bulb had become embedded in the lung tissue, and conventional methods failed to retrieve it.

Through a carefully planned mini thoracotomy, we were able to safely remove the foreign body and restore the child’s breathing.”

Dr. Divya Prabhat, ENT Surgeon, added, “Unexplained and persistent respiratory symptoms in children should never be overlooked. Cases like these often mimic pneumonia or other common conditions, leading to delays in diagnosis. Early detection through advanced imaging can significantly improve outcomes and prevent complications.”

Emphasising the importance of awareness, Dr. Milind Khadke, Chief Medical Officer, said, “Foreign body aspiration in children is more common than most parents realise. Timely medical attention and specialist intervention are crucial in preventing long-term damage to the lungs.

This case is a reminder for parents and healthcare providers to be alert when children present with chronic, unexplained respiratory problems. Also, a request to all parents to be extra careful about the condition and type of toys your children are playing with”

Expressing his gratitude, Avinash Kadam, father of the child, said, “Words cannot express how relieved we feel. For three long months, we were living in constant fear, not knowing what was wrong with our son.

Thanks to the incredible team at Jaslok Hospital, the child is now breathing freely and smiling again. This hospital has given our child a new life, and we will remain forever grateful.”

This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis, advanced imaging, and specialist intervention in managing complex paediatric respiratory cases. Jaslok Hospital continues to uphold its reputation for excellence in patient care and advanced surgical expertise, ensuring successful outcomes even in the most challenging cases.