Live Leech Found in Patient’s Nose at Salmaniya Medical Complex – Doctors Share Their Story

In a rare and startling medical case, doctors at Salmaniya Medical Complex in Bahrain successfully removed a live leech from a patient’s nasal cavity. The patient, an Asian man, had been suffering from persistent nosebleeds and difficulty breathing for nine days before seeking specialized care.

The medical team, led by Dr. Dina Shabib, head of the ENT department, used a nasal endoscope to discover the leech attached to the moist mucous membrane. The parasite had been feeding on the patient’s blood, causing continuous bleeding and mimicking symptoms of sinusitis or allergies.

Dr. Murtadha Al-Nasheet, a resident physician, noted that the case was unexpected because such incidents are extremely rare in urban environments like Bahrain. The leech, identified as a freshwater species, likely entered the patient’s nose during recent travel to a rural area with untreated water sources.

The removal procedure was delicate due to the leech’s slimy, flexible body and risk of moving backward toward the throat, which could cause choking. The team successfully extracted it whole, preventing complications.

Dr. Hiba Wahidi, an ENT consultant, warned that leaving the leech could lead to severe anemia or airway blockage. She urged patients with similar symptoms to inform doctors about recent travel, as that can change the diagnosis entirely.

Article and image source: albiladpress.com