AN UNUSUAL CAUSE OF PERSISTENT CRYING IN A TODDLER

Background: Excessive or persistent crying is a common presentation to the pediatric emergency department, and often poses a diagnostic dilemma to emergency physicians. There are several reasons for excessive or persistent crying in children, ranging from benign causes like hunger, to life-threatening causes such as intussusception. Case Report: We report an interesting case of a toddler whose cause of excess crying, with no detectable clinical clues, was eventually attributed to a foreign body in the esophagus. A brief review of diagnostic approach to excess crying and management of ingested foreign bodies is presented. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?: Ingested foreign body is a potential cause of persistent crying, and early recognition can result in definitive treatment and prevention of potential mortality and morbidity. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.