article · Respiratory Medicine Case Reports
Leech infestation of the upper airway is a rare but potentially life-threatening event, particularly in young children from rural areas exposed to untreated water sources. We report a case of a 1-year-old boy presenting with acute upper airway obstruction due to laryngeal leech attachment. Diagnosis was confirmed by direct laryngoscopy, and the leech was successfully removed under general anesthesia. The patient had a full recovery following the intervention. This report highlights the diagnostic challenges and management considerations in pediatric airway leech infestation and underscores the importance of public education regarding the use of safe water.
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DOI: 10.1016/j.rmcr.2025.102299
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