An unusual cause of dysphonia with hemoptysis: A laryngeal live leech

Introduction: foreign bodies in the upper airway are one of the most challenging otolaryngology emergencies and have various presentations depending on their physical properties and location. leeches are blood-sucking hermaphroditic worms that vary in color,length,and shape. they usually reside in fresh-water streams and lakes. when rural untreated water is drunk,leeches may localize in the nose,pharynx,and esophagus,or rarely in the larynx. case report: this case is a man who was referred to our otolaryngology clinic with a complaint of hemoptysis and mild respiratory distress. the patient's symptoms were all relieved post operatively and he was discharged on the second day following the procedure. conclusion: leeches should be suspected as an airway foreign body in patients with a recent history of drinking stream water.