Doctors Make Unbelievable Discovery After Patient Complains Of Persistent Cough

US doctors made a surprising discovery after a nonverbal patient complained of a persistent cough.

The woman had presented to a hospital emergency department following a choking episode with persistent coughing, according to The Journal of Emergency Medicine.

Researchers said the non-verbal patient had a history of mental retardation and dysphagia, or difficultly swallowing.

“An X-ray study of the chest showed mild opacity at the left lung base and she was discharged with antibiotics,” researchers wrote.

“She returned to the ED that day with worsening symptoms suggestive of aspiration pneumonia.”

The second scan of her chest revealed numerous cylindrical objects in the oesophagus.

The scan of the patient’s chest revealed numerous cylindrical objects in the esophagus.
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The objects were later identified as crayons.

It took doctors three endoscopies to remove all 28 - during which the patient developed aspiration pneumonia, respiratory distress, and septic shock.

The patient later died.

Higher risk

Researchers said there had been more than 100,000 cases of oesophageal foreign body in the United States each year alone - most of which resolved spontaneously.

The report said patients with developmental disabilities are at a higher risk.

While it is unclear when or where the case was reported, the researchers are based in Ohio.

Source