THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A one-year-old girl was rushed to Kim's Health Hospital after experiencing coughing and suffocation while playing at home. Upon admission, the child received oxygen support due to severe suffocation. X-ray imaging revealed that two-thirds of her right lung had collapsed indicating a critical situation. A subsequent CT scan confirmed the suspicion of an obstruction in the right trachea causing air leakage and hindering proper breathing. The object responsible for this life-threatening situation turned out to be a large pea that had become lodged in her right lung.

To save the child's life, an emergency bronchoscopy procedure was promptly performed by the team of experts. Among them were Paediatric Critical Care and Emergency Department Consultant, Dr Pramila Joji, Senior Consultant of the Anaesthesia Department, Dr Jacob John Theophilus and Senior Consultant of the Paediatric Surgery Department, Dr Ashok Kumar G M.

Dr Ajay Ravi emphasized the importance of seeking immediate medical help when faced with breathing difficulties. He pointed out that neglecting such symptoms can lead to severe complications like pneumonia and pneumothorax, potentially resulting in fatalities if not treated promptly and appropriately.