Doctors at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) have successfully saved the life of a two-year-old boy after food particles became trapped deep inside his lung, causing a dangerous medical emergency that went undetected for days.
In a statement issued on Monday, January 12, KNH said the toddler, identified as Jaydeen, arrived at the hospital after developing a persistent cough that followed a choking incident during Christmas celebrations in Thika.
According to his mother, Caroline, Jaydeen choked while eating groundnuts and drinking milk—a moment that initially appeared to pass but later turned into a frightening health crisis.
“He suddenly started choking. I froze, then panic took over,” she recalled.
Although Caroline rushed her son to several health facilities over the following week, doctors could not identify the real cause of his worsening condition. When the cough refused to go away, she took him to KNH on New Year’s Day for further evaluation.
Specialists at the hospital carried out advanced tests and discovered that a section of Jaydeen’s right lung had collapsed, strongly indicating that a foreign object had entered his airway and remained lodged inside.
On Monday, January 5, a highly trained medical team led by Consultant Paediatric Pulmonologist Dr. Diana Marangu performed a delicate and life-saving procedure to remove the obstruction.
Using a rigid bronchoscopy, doctors successfully extracted several pieces of peanut that had become embedded deep inside the toddler’s lung. The team carried out the procedure without the need for surgery, sparing Jaydeen from further trauma.
Doctors then admitted the child to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for overnight monitoring. He responded well to treatment, made a steady recovery and has since been discharged in good health.
“I will never forget that day. I’m just grateful my son got a second chance,” Caroline said.
KNH said the case underscores the serious choking risk posed by small foods such as groundnuts, especially for children under three years old, and the importance of seeking specialised medical care when symptoms persist.
“For this family, KNH was where their fear ended and hope returned. Their story is also an important reminder, especially during busy schedules: small foods like groundnuts can be a serious choking risk for young children under three,” the hospital said.
The dramatic rescue highlights the expertise of KNH’s paediatric and respiratory teams and serves as a powerful reminder to parents and caregivers to remain vigilant when young children eat solid foods.
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