The Hazelnuts That Choked Him: No More Snacking for Me
Karadeniz Technical University (KTU) Medical Faculty Farabi Hospital Chief Physician and Chest Surgery Department Head, Dr. Celal Tekinbaş, recently made an interesting discovery in a patient’s lungs. After a tomography scan revealed a foreign object in the patient’s lungs, Dr. Tekinbaş shared the details of the case.
The patient had been suffering from a lung infection for a prolonged period and had been undergoing antibiotic treatment. However, when a lesion resembling a tumor was detected in the middle of the right lung during a routine examination at Farabi Hospital, further tests were conducted.
Upon closer inspection, a tumor was found in the airway of the patient’s lung. The middle lobe was severely damaged and inflamed, leading to the decision to perform surgery. During the operation, the medical team discovered a seed covered with tissue-like structures, which had been causing the symptoms that were initially mistaken for a tumor.
Dr. Tekinbaş emphasized the importance of thorough evaluation in cases where foreign objects may enter the airway due to sudden coughing, laughing, or mishaps while eating. He explained that foreign bodies can easily get lodged in the airway and cause serious complications if not promptly treated.
The patient, Fatma Karabacak, expressed her gratitude for the successful surgery that restored her health. She vowed to be more cautious in the future and jokingly remarked, “I will never eat nuts again. My doctor saved me.”
This case serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with swallowing foreign objects and the importance of seeking timely medical assistance when faced with such situations.
