Brahmapur, India – September 2025
In a rare and alarming medical case, an 80-year-old man from Odisha’s Ganjam district survived after doctors in the city of Brahmapur successfully removed a 9-inch miswak (traditional teeth-cleaning stick) that had been lodged in his throat for nearly a week. The incident not only shocked the man’s family but also drew attention to the risks of traditional oral hygiene practices when not used carefully.
The Incident
According to Indian media reports, the elderly man, identified as Kumaraju Naik, a resident of the village Natinga in Ganjam district, was using a miswak to clean his teeth in the morning. While brushing, he accidentally pushed the stick too deep, causing it to slide down and get stuck in his throat.
At first, the family thought the situation might resolve on its own, but within hours Naik began experiencing severe throat pain, difficulty swallowing, and bouts of coughing. The miswak remained lodged deep, making it impossible for him to eat properly or even speak comfortably.
Initial Struggles for Treatment
His family rushed him to a local primary health center where medical staff attempted to remove the stick manually. However, due to the position of the miswak and the risk of injuring his airway, they were unsuccessful. Instead of providing relief, the attempts only aggravated Naik’s discomfort.
For days, Naik endured the painful obstruction. He reportedly survived by consuming only small amounts of liquid and soft food. His family, deeply worried about his worsening condition, finally decided to take him to Brahmapur city hospital, where more advanced facilities were available.
A Week with a Foreign Object in the Throat
Doctors later revealed that the miswak had remained stuck in Naik’s throat for an entire week before the surgical procedure was carried out. This fact surprised many, as most people would not be able to endure such discomfort for so long without developing life-threatening complications such as infection, swelling, or even airway blockage.
Medical experts noted that Naik was fortunate because the stick had not completely blocked his airway. If that had happened, he could have suffocated within minutes. Instead, the miswak lodged in such a way that allowed him to breathe, albeit with great difficulty.
The Surgery and Removal
At Brahmapur hospital, a team of ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialists conducted a thorough examination. Scans and imaging confirmed the presence of a long, 9-inch stick lodged deep in the throat area.
Given Naik’s age and the risks associated with surgery in elderly patients, doctors had to take extra precautions. The procedure was carried out under anesthesia in a carefully controlled environment. Using specialized surgical instruments, the medical team was able to safely extract the miswak without causing further injury to his throat or esophagus.
The entire operation was described as “challenging but successful.” After removal, doctors monitored Naik for several days to ensure no infection or internal injury developed. Fortunately, he recovered well and was later discharged from the hospital.
Family’s Relief and Gratitude
Naik’s family expressed immense relief after the successful surgery. They revealed that the week-long ordeal was emotionally exhausting, as they feared losing him at any moment. “We tried everything at the local clinic, but nothing worked. Only the doctors in Brahmapur gave him a new life,” a family member reportedly said.
The incident also served as a wake-up call for the community, where using miswak remains a common daily practice for oral hygiene. Many residents admitted they had never imagined such an accident could happen.
Medical Experts’ Warning
Following the case, Indian doctors and health experts issued a warning about the safe use of traditional oral hygiene tools. While miswak has been proven to have antibacterial properties and has been used for centuries, experts stressed that elderly individuals should exercise extra caution.
“Foreign objects in the throat can be extremely dangerous,” said one ENT specialist involved in the surgery. “Anything stuck in the airway or esophagus can cause choking, infections, or even death. In this case, the patient was lucky the stick didn’t block his airway completely.”
They further advised that if an object becomes stuck in the throat, people should seek immediate medical attention rather than waiting or attempting unsafe home remedies. Delay can worsen the situation and increase the risk of complications.
Broader Significance of the Case
This unusual case has sparked conversation in medical and public health circles in India. It highlights not only the importance of emergency medical access in rural areas but also the need for awareness about traditional health practices and their risks when not handled properly.
In rural parts of India, many people rely on home remedies and traditional tools like miswak, neem twigs, or other natural brushes for oral care. While effective to an extent, improper use can sometimes lead to serious complications. Public health workers have now begun advising villagers about safer brushing techniques and the importance of modern dental care alongside traditional methods.
A Rare Survival Story
Cases of foreign objects being lodged in the throat are not entirely uncommon in medicine. Children often swallow coins, buttons, or small toys, while adults sometimes choke on food or accidentally swallow dentures. However, a 9-inch-long stick remaining in the throat for an entire week is an exceptionally rare case.
Doctors at Brahmapur hospital described it as one of the most unusual medical cases they had encountered in years. They praised the resilience of the elderly man and the support of his family, who ensured he was taken to a facility capable of handling the surgery.
Conclusion
Today, 80-year-old Kumaraju Naik is back home with his family, recovering steadily and regaining his strength. His case stands as both a miracle of survival and a lesson in the importance of seeking timely medical care.
For Naik, the ordeal has ended with relief and gratitude. For his community, it serves as a reminder that while traditional practices like miswak are deeply valued, safety and medical awareness must always come first.
