A bizarre medical case has emerged from Henan Province, China, where a 58-year-old man inhaled a cockroach while asleep, causing severe discomfort and complications for several days. The man, identified only as Haikou, unknowingly breathed in the insect and endured extreme pain before finally seeking medical attention.
Reports suggest that Haikou accidentally inhaled the cockroach while sleeping. Upon waking, he felt something crawling into his nose and eventually down his throat. Initially, he brushed off the experience and carried on with his routine. However, things took a turn when he noticed his breath had developed a strong, unpleasant odor. Despite ignoring the incident at first, after three days of persistent foul-smelling breath and coughing up yellow sputum, Haikou decided to consult a doctor.
Haikou’s first visit to an ENT specialist at Hainan Hospital did not yield any results, as an examination of the upper respiratory tract showed no abnormalities. However, convinced that something was wrong, he sought further consultation with Dr. Lin Ling who is a respiratory and critical care physician. Dr. Ling ordered a chest CT scan, which revealed a shadow in the posterior basal region of the right lower lobe, suggesting the presence of a foreign object. A bronchoscopy was then recommended to pinpoint the issue.
During the bronchoscopy procedure, Dr. Lin Ling made a startling discovery. “During the operation, I clearly saw something with wings in the bronchus,” he explained to Seehua.com. The foreign body, wrapped in a thick layer of phlegm, was identified as a cockroach. The medical team removed the insect, followed by repeated cleaning of the surrounding secretions to ensure complete clearance of the phlegm.
Following the procedure, Haikou reported feeling significantly better. His coughing and yellow sputum were greatly reduced, and although there was still a slight odor, he experienced considerable relief. Dr. Lin Ling confirmed that the patient was recovering well and noted that inhaling foreign objects such as insects is rare but can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly.
This unusual case serves as a reminder of the unexpected health hazards that can arise and the importance of seeking medical attention when symptoms persist.
