The family of a 14-month-old boy who was placed in an induced coma after inhaling cake decorating powder has shared an encouraging update on his recovery. The toddler, named Dustin, has had his breathing tube removed and is now receiving high-flow oxygen through nasal prongs.
His mother, professional baker Katie Robinson, was creating a Bluey-themed birthday cake for a friend's son when Dustin pulled down a container of gold decorating dust and inhaled it. He was rushed to Brisbane's Queensland Children's Hospital, where doctors performed surgery to remove the decorative lustre dust that had turned into paste inside his lungs.
In an update on a GoFundMe page, Ms Robinson said: "Dusty has had his breathing tube taken out and now has high flow oxygen through nasal prongs. His meds have decreased but he is still in a drowsy state. The doctors are happy with his progression, however still unsure about lasting effects on the lungs."
The incident occurred while Dustin was in the studio of his home, under his mother's care. Ms Robinson described how within seconds, her son pulled the cap off a tube of lustre dust with his teeth and inhaled it. He began choking and struggling to breathe, and she and her husband Chris administered first aid while waiting for an ambulance.
Doctors later determined the dust contained copper, a substance that can cause respiratory distress and serious lung damage when ingested. Ms Robinson expressed shock, noting that such a product should not be near food. The fundraising page set up by Rochelle Evrard, the friend for whom the cake was being made, has received donations from more than 1,000 people.
