All of the following statements about inhaled tooth fragment are true EXCEPT
**Core Concept**
Aspiration of a foreign body, such as an inhaled tooth fragment, can lead to various complications due to its potential to cause mechanical obstruction, infection, and inflammation in the respiratory tract. The bronchial tree's anatomy, particularly the right bronchus' larger diameter, makes it a more common site for foreign body aspiration.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Inhaled tooth fragments can cause significant morbidity, including lung abscess formation (Option B) and bronchiectasis (Option C), due to the bacterial colonization and subsequent inflammation of the affected lung tissue. However, the correct answer is incorrect because it implies that the tooth fragment will be coughed out spontaneously without any treatment. In reality, the likelihood of a tooth fragment being coughed out spontaneously is low, especially if it becomes lodged in a smaller airway. Furthermore, attempting to cough out a foreign body can sometimes push it further into the lung, exacerbating the situation.
**Option A:** This statement is true because the right bronchus is wider and more vertical than the left, making it a more common site for foreign body aspiration.
**Option B:** This statement is true as lung abscess can form as a result of the infection caused by the inhaled tooth fragment.
**Option C:** This statement is true as bronchiectasis can occur in the affected area due to chronic inflammation and damage to the bronchial walls.
**Option D:** This statement is false because inhaled tooth fragments often require medical intervention, such as bronchoscopy, to safely remove the fragment and prevent further complications.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In cases of suspected foreign body aspiration, a chest X-ray may not always reveal the presence of the foreign body, and a high index of suspicion is necessary to avoid missing the diagnosis.
**✓ Correct Answer: D. It will be coughed out spontaneously no treatment is necessary**