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Arif MiahFour-year-old British boy spent a month with a battery in his nose
Country:
 Great Britain |
Content:
- A British Boy's Ordeal with a Battery in His Nose for a Month
- Parents' Distress and Legal Action
- Medical Examination and Consequences
- Battery Removal and Possible Long-Term Effects
- Hospital Response
A British Boy's Ordeal with a Battery in His Nose for a Month
The IncidentFour-year-old Arif Mia spent a harrowing month with a button battery lodged in his nose. The battery was only discovered after black fluid began leaking from his nose and ears, prompting concerns about his long-term respiratory health.
Parents' Distress and Legal Action
Arif's parents, Arju and Shipa, believe that a missed x-ray at Bedford Hospital led to their son's prolonged suffering. They allege that hospital staff dismissed their concern about a battery being lodged in Arif's nose, mistaking it for a piece of Rice Krispie cereal. As a result, they have filed a lawsuit against the hospital.
Medical Examination and Consequences
When Arif was initially presented to the hospital in November 2014, doctors claimed to have found dried rice flakes in his nose, but it is now believed that this was most likely battery acid. A timely x-ray could have revealed the battery and allowed for its swift removal.
Days after the hospital visit, Mia began experiencing black discharge from his nose and ears. His parents took him to a GP, who diagnosed an "infection" and prescribed antibiotics. However, Arif's breathing difficulties persisted.
Battery Removal and Possible Long-Term Effects
Arif's father, concerned about his son's worsening condition, took him to the A&E department at Bedford Hospital, where four doctors examined him. A battery was eventually identified, but no ear, nose, and throat specialist was available to remove it, so the parents were asked to bring Arif back the following day. The battery was finally removed under general anesthetic on December 12, 2014.
Arif's parents fear that he could face long-term health problems due to damage to his nasal septum.
Hospital Response
Bedford Hospital claims that Arif's parents did not mention the possibility of a battery being present during his initial examination. The hospital representative stated that had they been informed, he would have been referred to an ENT specialist for further investigation. They also expressed a desire to discuss the incident with Arif's parents and emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the dangers of small batteries to children.
