English

Abstract

Inhalation of foreign body is a serious event. A very small proportion of foreign bodies get impacted in the larynx. Any foreign body in the larynx presents usually as a respiratory emergency, when urgent recognition is required to prevent disaster. The diagnosis and treatment of foreign bodies in the airway are a challenge for otolaryngologists. Despite improvements in medical care and public awareness, approximately 3000 deaths occur each year from foreign body aspiration, with most deaths occurring before hospital evaluation and treatment. A high index of suspicion is needed for foreign body aspiration to allow for prompt treatment and avoidance of complications. The majority of foreign bodies pass through the glottis into the trachea and main bronchus. Sticky, thorny or irregular shaped foreign bodies may get lodged in the larnyx1 (Mundra et al, 1989). Two cases of laryngeal foreign bodies one of fish bone impacted in the larynx, in anteroposterior and another of coin also in anteroposterior position are presented here along with a brief review of literature.