Sunflower Seed Husk in Bronchus

Extraction Case

Sunflower seeds are commonly “husked” within one’s mouth. This can be dangerous (even for professional athletes), especially if one stumbles or is surprised and gasps for air. The husk (shell) of the sunflower seed can fly into the airway and lodge in a bronchus. Empty husks (shells) should be kept out of reach of toddlers, who might pick one up and then choke on it.[Ref:25]

Extraction Video

The foreign body is removed with the Vancouver optical forceps.

Did You Know?!

In a 2011, a US National Safety Council report stated that choking caused 4,500 deaths (amongst all ages) in the United States in 2009.[Ref:46]

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