Skip to main content
  • Home
  • COVID-19
  • Issues
    • Current Issue
    • All Issues
    • Online First
    • Supplement
    • CME
  • About
  • For Authors
    • Instructions for Authors
    • Submission Fee
    • Submit Manuscript
  • Podcasts

Foreign body aspiration in adults

< Back to Listing

Share this Article

Singapore Med J 2006; 47(5): 415-418
Foreign body aspiration in adults

  • Abstract
  • PDF

Zubairi AB, Haque AS, Husain SJ, Khan JA
Correspondence: Dr Ali Bin Sarwar Zubairi, ali.zubairi@aku.edu

ABSTRACT
Foreign body aspiration is not an uncommon problem, particularly in children, the elderly, and those with predisposing factors like neurological impairment. In adults, regional differences exist in the type of foreign body aspirated. We report four cases of foreign body aspiration in South Asian adults, three of which were related to the widespread habit of chewing stimulant seeds such as betel nuts (two) and tamarind seed (one). It is important for clinicians to maintain a high index of suspicion for the diagnosis of foreign body inhalation in the appropriate clinical setting. Bronchoscopy is necessary not only for the diagnosis but also for the removal of foreign body from the bronchial tree. Once the foreign body is removed, the improvement in symptoms is usually dramatic, making it rewarding for any physician to manage.

Keywords: betel nut, bronchoscopy, foreign body aspiration, stimulant seeds, tamarind seed
Singapore Med J 2006; 47(5): 415-418

http://smj.org.sg/sites/default/files/4705/4705cr1.pdf
×
POPULAR THIS MONTH
Primary care approach to Kawasaki disease
SingHealth Radiology Archives pictorial essay Part 2: gastroenterology, musculoskeletal, and obstetrics and gynaecology cases
Are migrant workers in Singapore receiving adequate healthcare? A survey of doctors working in public tertiary healthcare institutions
Health-seeking behaviour of the elderly living alone in an urbanised low-income community in Singapore

Around the Site

Home

About SMJ

For Reviewers

Sign Up for Alerts

Issues

Current Issue

All Issues

Online First

Supplement

CME

For Authors

Instructions for Authors

Submit Manuscript


Follow us on:
        

More Links

Contact Us

Copyright

Advertise

SMJ Forms

Privacy Policy

SMA Home

Copyright 2021. Singapore Medical Association. All Rights Reserved.