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?!

A 2013 report stated that, from 2001 to 2009, an average of 12,435 children (14 years old or younger) per year were treated in US Emergency Rooms because of food-related choking.[Ref:1]