Chikoo Seed Lodged in Ulwe Man's Airway for Three Months Removed in Kharghar
A 38-year-old resident of Ulwe who suffered from persistent breathlessness and wheezing for nearly three months found relief after doctors at Medicover Hospitals in Kharghar removed a chikoo seed lodged deep inside his left main bronchus.
The patient, Prasad Nakhawa, had initially consulted several general physicians as his symptoms appeared intermittently. Although medication provided temporary relief, his breathing difficulty and wheezing continued to recur and gradually began interfering with his daily routine.
Following medical advice to undergo further evaluation, Nakhawa visited Medicover Hospitals in Kharghar. An HRCT scan indicated narrowing of the left main bronchus, but doctors could not initially confirm whether the obstruction was caused by mucus or an impacted foreign body. During a flexible bronchoscopy, medical staff discovered the chikoo seed lodged deep inside the bronchus, causing almost complete obstruction of the airway. The seed had remained there for nearly three months and had become firmly attached to the bronchial wall, surrounded by swelling and retained secretions.
Medical specialists noted that foreign body aspiration in adults is relatively uncommon and frequently goes undiagnosed in the absence of a clear choking history. The smooth and slippery surface of the seed also made securing a grip with standard bronchoscopic instruments difficult.
The medical team used a mesh snare under sedation to carefully extract the seed without injuring the airway. The procedure lasted approximately 50 minutes. Normal airway function was restored immediately following the removal, bringing instant relief to the patient's breathing.
Subsequent discussions with Nakhawa's relatives revealed that he had suffered a sudden choking episode while eating a chikoo three months earlier. Because the symptoms initially appeared to settle, the event was not considered significant and was not mentioned during his earlier medical consultations.
Doctors warned that delayed diagnoses of airway foreign bodies can cause severe complications, including recurrent pneumonia, severe infections, and lung collapse. Pulmonologists advised residents to avoid talking, laughing, or rushing while eating to prevent the accidental inhalation of food particles.
Nakhawa recovered without complications and was discharged approximately two hours after the procedure.
