FOREIGN-BODY IN THE HYPOPHARYNX - AN UNUSUAL PRESENTATION

A case is described of a foreign body (a metallic paper clip) in the h ypopharynx of an 18 month old child presenting with recurrent respirat ory tract infections. The child was treated with antibiotics at two ac cident and emergency departments without any benefit. A high degree of suspicion is necessary in young children, as a history of ingestion o f a foreign body may not be forthcoming. It is important to be aware o f the possibility of a foreign body in young children, particularly wh en the clinical presentation is atypical.