AYURVEDIC PILL CAUSING OESOPHAGEAL IMPACTION: AN UNUSUAL CAUSE OF DYSPHAGIA IN AN ELDERLY PATIENT

Abstract

Dysphagia in geriatric age group results in multiple negative health consequences including malnutrition, dehydration, aspiration pneumonia, depression and poor quality of life. A 70-year-old female presented to our emergency department with difficulty in swallowing solids, liquids and saliva following ingestion of an Ayurvedic tablet. She reported a sensation of something stuck in her throat. Physical examination findings of her oral cavity and oropharynx were unremarkable. A radiograph of the lateral view of neck revealed a radio opaque foreign body just anterior to C7 vertebral body, which was confirmed by CT as well. The pill was successfully removed via rigid hypopharyngoscopy and oesophagoscopy without complication. The patient was discharged home after a day of observation and remained asymptomatic at follow-up. This case illustrates a rare cause of oesophageal impaction by Ayurvedic pill and reinforces the importance of a detailed medication history and prompt intervention in elderly patients with acute dysphagia.