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Introduction: Foreign body (FB) aspiration is one of the causes of respiratory distress in infants is an extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening event. The diagnosis of FB aspiration is difficult because the signs and symptoms vary according to the degree of airway blockage or location of the FB. Patient concerns: An 11-month-old female infant visited a hospital because of a sudden onset cough. She was relatively healthy without fever, rhinorrhea cyanosis, or poor feeding. On physical examination, auscultation revealed inspiratory stridor without wheezing and crackles. Diagnosis: Croup was suspected when considering the history, physical examination, and imaging. However, she did not respond to a 4-day course of treatment for croup. Flexible laryngoscopic examination was performed, and we identified a thin, flat, and sharp FB embedded in the subglottic region. Interventions: Emergency surgery was performed to remove the FB. Short-term intravenous corticosteroids and antibiotics were used to prevent laryngeal swelling and aspiration pneumonia. Outcomes: One week after the procedure, the laryngeal mucosa had completely healed. Conclusion: FB aspiration should be considered in an infant with an impression of croup. In particular, if there is no response to medical or conservative treatment for croup, further evaluation is needed.

Rationale Congenital epidermoid cysts are benign deformities that rarely affect the uvula. A uvular epidermoid cyst is painless and slow-growing. Most such cysts are asymptomatic and rarely cause oral dysfunction. Patient concerns We present the case of a 10-month-old infant with dyspnea caused by a mass in the uvula. Diagnosis The patient was diagnosed with a uvular epidermoid cyst via neck soft tissue X-ray and flexible laryngoscopy. Interventions Emergency surgery was performed. Outcomes The patient recovered immediately after the operation and was discharged 1 day later. Lessons In an infant with a uvula cyst, early surgical treatment may be needed to prevent symptoms, such as dyspnea, requiring emergency treatment.