Caterpillars: An unusual source of ingestion

Purpose: To describe a series of patients seen in a pediatric emergency dep artment with adverse effects following an ingestion of a caterpillar. Methods: Case series. Results: Ten patients presented to the emergency department following inges tion of a caterpillar. Adverse effects ranged from drooling and refusal to drink to diffuse urticaria. Six patients were admitted and five underwent d irect laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy in the operating room. None of the 10 p atients had an adverse outcome. Conclusions: Previously not described, significant adverse effects can occu r following ingestion of a caterpillar. In addition, although not previousl y reported, the caterpillar of the Hickory Tussock moth can cause adverse e ffects in humans.