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Unusual Case: Teen Swallows Quarter
Children swallowing non-edible objects is not an uncommon occurrence, usually resolving without severe issues. However, a recent case in California involved a teen who swallowed a quarter, causing it to become lodged in his airway rather than passing into the stomach.
The Unfortunate Incident
The teen’s accidental ingestion of the quarter led to it veering off course, slipping past the vocal cords and becoming stuck in the subglottis—a dangerous location between the vocal cords and the trachea.
In a recent clinical report by doctors published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the unusual case was documented in detail.
Medical Intervention
Upon arriving at the emergency department, the teen’s symptoms mainly included hoarseness and difficulty swallowing. Despite the concerning position of the quarter in his airway, the boy was breathing comfortably without drooling.
Immediate action was necessary to prevent any respiratory compromise. Under general anesthesia, doctors used optical forceps and a camera to safely remove the coin from the subglottis. The procedure revealed ulcerations in the airway caused by the coin’s ribbed edge.
Successful Outcome
Following the extraction of the quarter, the teen’s symptoms improved significantly. He was discharged home under the care of the medical team, with no lasting effects reported.
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