PubMed · 1991 · 26 citations · 0 references
MedicineClinical SciencesOtolaryngologyLaryngologyPediatric OtolaryngologyPulmonologyAirway DisordersAirway ObstructionPediatric LaryngologyRespiratory ComplicationsRespiratory DiseaseAcute Airway ObstructionAirway Foreign Body ObstructionLaryngeal ObstructionLaryngeal PathologyLeech TherapyTracheobronchial Foreign Bodies
A case of acute laryngo-tracheal obstruction in a 12-year old boy is presented. A live leech was removed from the larynx under general anaesthesia. A high index of suspicion of leeches as foreign bodies in children with acute onset of respiratory distress associated with hemoptysis and early surgical intervention is emphasized.