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.