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Pune, India – Using home remedies like turmeric root or cloves to alleviate cough symptoms may seem harmless, but a recent incident serves as a stark warning against this practice. An 85-year-old farmer presented at DPU Super Specialty Hospital in Pune with a persistent cough that had plagued him for the last three months, leading to breathing difficulties. Despite seeking treatment at multiple hospitals, he found no relief until doctors uncovered the cause of his ailment – pieces of turmeric root lodged in his lungs.
Doctors suggested a CT scan of the farmer’s lungs, which revealed the presence of a foreign body. Subsequent bronchoscopy procedures revealed that the foreign object had enlarged and formed layers in his lungs, making extraction challenging. With the use of forceps and specialized instruments under local anesthesia, the medical team successfully removed the foreign object – a piece of turmeric root measuring about 2cm long and 1cm wide.
Initially unable to identify the nature of the foreign body, doctors discovered its yellowish color and hue after extraction, leading them to conclude it was turmeric root. Dr. M. S. Barthwal, Head of the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, who led the medical team, explained that the patient had a habit of placing a piece of turmeric root in his mouth before bedtime to alleviate cough symptoms. The turmeric root likely entered his airway during sleep, causing complications.
Following the successful treatment, the patient’s prolonged battle with the painful cough came to an end, and he was discharged after a few days of recovery. Dr. Barthwal emphasized that similar incidents have occurred in the past, including the removal of a clove stalk from another patient’s lungs. He cautioned against the use of turmeric pieces and clove stalks for cough relief, noting that they do not improve symptoms but can lead to serious complications.
The case serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with using home remedies without proper medical guidance. Individuals experiencing persistent cough or other respiratory symptoms are urged to seek professional medical advice rather than relying on unverified remedies, which can have unforeseen consequences.
