November 2017 Critical Care Case of the Month
Stephanie Fountain, MD
Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine
Banner University Medical Center Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ USA
History of Present Illness
A 56-year-old man presented with “food stuck in throat” since eating steak 18 hours prior to presentation. He is unable to eat or drink and has a sore throat. He is able to speak but has a “hoarse voice.” He denied drooling.
Past Medical History, Family History, and Social History
- He described himself as “healthy” and had not sought medical care in years.
- Former smoker but quit 2 years ago.
- He uses alcohol daily.
- He denied illicit drug use.
Physical Exam
- Afebrile, blood pressure 137/74 mm HG, heart rate 74 beats/min, SpO2 98% on room air.
- Physical exam was normal
Which of the following should be done next? (Click on the correct answer to proceed to the second of six pages)
- Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
- Papain (Adolph’s Meat Tenderizer®) administration
- Tracheostomy
- 1 and 3
- All of the above
Cite as: Fountain S. November 2017 critical care case of the month. Southwest J Pulm Crit Care. 2017;15(5):191-8. doi: https://doi.org/10.13175/swjpcc130-17 PDF