Woman's Month-Long Cough Reveals Nose Ring Lodged Deep in Lung

Monica Deyanira Cabrera Barajas, 26, from Mexico, sought medical help for a cough that had persisted for over a month. She initially attributed the symptom to changes in weather, but when it failed to subside, she underwent further examination.

The detailed tests revealed that a nose piercing, which she hadn't even realized was missing, was lodged deep within her lung. The piercing was situated precariously close to the aorta, the main artery supplying blood from the heart to the body, at a distance of just 0.5mm.

Medical professionals believe it's highly probable that the piercing fell out and was inhaled unconsciously. Given that she typically wore multiple piercings, it's thought she likely did not notice the nose ring had become dislodged.

The procedure to remove the piercing proved more complicated than anticipated. The piercing had become partially attached to the internal tissue of her bronchus, causing the procedure to last over 1 hour and 20 minutes, and ultimately failed to remove it completely. Subsequent surgery was required, through which Barajas has since recovered.