Partially dissolved potassium pill in the right main bronchus

Aspiration of a foreign body such as a pill is relatively uncommon in healthy conscious adults. Aspirated objects usually lodge in the right bronchial tree. Variety of symptoms can be seen depending upon the site of the obstruction, size, and the nature of the foreign body. Late presentation with recurrent hemoptysis, bronchitis, pneumonia, bronchiectasis, and chronic cough may occur. Here, we report a 67-year-old woman with an accidental aspiration of a potassium chloride pill, who presented with symptoms of persistent feeling of foreign body sensation in the throat and a subsequent right-sided chest pain. Only 4 hours after aspiration, bronchoscopic examination revealed a partially dissolved pill in the right intermedius bronchus that was suctioned out without any difficulty.