A medical mystery in Xian, China, has captivated the internet, revealing the surprising source of a 23-year-old man’s persistent sneezing and nasal congestion: a dice, lodged in his nose for two decades. Identified only as Xiaoma, the young man initially sought relief through traditional Chinese medicine, but his symptoms only worsened, leading him to Xian Gaoxin Hospital.
At the hospital, doctors initially diagnosed him with allergic rhinitis, a common condition. However, further investigation led to a shocking discovery. During a nasal endoscopy, otolaryngologist Dr. Yang Rong found a foreign object embedded in Xiaoma’s nasal passage. The South China Morning Post reported on the unusual case, detailing the doctor’s findings. “During the nasal endoscopy, we discovered a foreign object – a white lump coated with secretions,” Dr. Yang explained. “Upon extraction, it turned out to be a two-centimeter dice, partially corroded from being lodged in his nasal cavity for an extended period. It was located in the lower nasal passage, causing damage to the nasal mucosa.”
The dice had become firmly adhered to the surrounding tissue, making its removal a delicate and risky procedure. “The removal was risky because it could have fallen into his airway, posing a suffocation risk,” Dr. Yang noted, emphasizing the potential severity of the situation. The successful extraction was a testament to the surgeon’s skill and precision.
The mystery surrounding how the dice ended up in Xiaoma’s nose remains partially unsolved. Xiaoma vaguely recalled a possible incident from when he was three or four years old, though the exact circumstances remain unclear. This highlights the potential for seemingly minor incidents in childhood to have long-lasting and significant health consequences.
The case serves as a stark warning to parents. Doctors involved in Xiaoma’s treatment stressed the importance of vigilance. “Parents should pay close attention to foreign objects in the nasal cavity,” they warned the news outlet. “They can fall into the postnaris or airway, posing a life-threatening risk. Such situations typically require immediate emergency treatment.” This underscores the critical need for prompt medical attention if a child exhibits unexplained nasal symptoms or if a foreign object is suspected to be lodged in the nasal passage. The case of Xiaoma serves as a powerful reminder of the potential dangers and the importance of seeking professional medical help when unusual symptoms persist. The successful removal of the two-decade-old dice offers a happy ending, but it also serves as a cautionary tale about the unseen dangers lurking within the seemingly simple aspects of daily life.
