How KNH Doctors Removed Peanut Pieces From A Baby’s Lung Without Surgery

A quiet Christmas evening nearly turned tragic for Caroline, a young mother from Thika, after her two-year-old son Jaydeen choked while eating groundnuts and drinking milk.

What initially appeared to be a brief choking episode soon evolved into a worrying medical mystery, underscoring the hidden dangers of small foods to young children.

According to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), although the choking episode seemed to resolve, Jaydeen developed a persistent cough that did not improve.

Caroline sought medical help at several clinics over the following week, but her concerns were repeatedly dismissed.

Despite reassurances, the child’s condition did not improve, prompting the mother to rely on what she later described as her “instincts as a parent.”

“Trusting her instincts, she took him to Kenyatta National Hospital on New Year’s Day,” KNH said, marking a decision that would ultimately save the child’s life.

Preliminary tests at the national referral hospital showed Jaydeen’s condition was much worse than what was initially thought.

Doctors Find Collapsed Lung

At KNH, the doctors did a thorough examination, which revealed that Jaydeen’s right lung had a collapsed portion.

Analysis by experts revealed that food particles had lodged deep within Jaydeen’s airway, preventing her from breathing, which was the reason for her collapse.

The discovery confirmed that the groundnuts consumed days earlier had not been expelled, but had instead migrated into the lower airway.

“At KNH, doctors identified a collapsed section of Jaydeen’s right lung, caused by food lodged deep in his airway,” the hospital explained.

The finding necessitated urgent specialist intervention to prevent further complications, including severe infection or permanent lung damage.

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Delicate Procedure Avoids Surgery

On January 5, a multidisciplinary medical team at KNH carried out a highly delicate procedure to remove the obstruction.

The team was led by Consultant Paediatric Pulmonologist Dr. Diana Marangu and included paediatric, respiratory, anaesthesia and nursing specialists.

“On January 5th, a multidisciplinary team led by Consultant Paediatric Pulmonologist Dr. Diana Marangu performed a delicate rigid bronchoscopy and successfully removed multiple pieces of peanut from his lung, without surgery,” KNH revealed.

The rigid bronchoscopy allowed doctors to access the airway safely and extract the peanut fragments, eliminating the need for invasive surgical intervention.

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Recovery And A Broader Warning

Accordingly, Jaydeen was placed under observation in the Intensive Care Unit.

However, he continued to improve, and doctors later confirmed that he had fully recovered.

“Jaydeen made a full recovery and is now healthy and playful again,” the hospital reported, describing the outcome as a testament to coordinated specialist care.

The case has since been highlighted by KNH as an example of the importance of listening to caregivers, especially parents who notice subtle but persistent symptoms.

The hospital also issued a broader warning to parents and caregivers.

“It also serves as a critical reminder that small foods like groundnuts pose a serious choking risk for children under three,” KNH said, urging heightened vigilance during feeding.

The case stands as a powerful reminder that early referral, parental persistence and specialised care can mean the difference between life and death.

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The image shows Kenyatta National Hospital
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