Research Article - Otolaryngology Online Journal (2015) Volume 5, Issue 3

Inanimate foreign bodies in the nasal cavity: a challenge in pediatric rhinology

Background: Nasal cavities foreign bodies are common emergencies in pediatric rhinology, sometimes leading to life threatening compli-cations of broncho-aspiration.1,2 Diagnosis is often made by anterior rhinoscopy, but sometimes nasal endoscopy and imaging may be needed for deep seated foreign bodies.

1,2 Objectives: To evaluate 79 cases of inani-mate nasal foreign bodies removed in our ENT OPD & type of foreign body and compli-cations. Materials and method: 79 cases of nasal for-eign bodies removed in the ENT OPD be-tween February 2008 and June 2010 were evaluated.

Result: We found higher incidence between 0 and 2 years of age, and the most frequently found foreign bodies were small plastic objects in 21 cases (26.25%),food grain in 18 cases (22.78%), stone pieces in 9 cases(11.39%), sponge pieces in 7 cases(8.86%), dress buttons in 6 cases(7.59%), seeds in 7 cases (8.86%) , button battery cells in 5 cases(6.32%),parts of toys in 4 cases (5.06%) & chalk pieces in 2 cases (2.53 %).

Conclusion: Nasal foreign bodies are especially found between the ages of 0 and 2 years. In our study, small plastic objects, food grain, stone pieces were the most frequent foreign bodies found.2,3 75 cases were removed successfully in OPD & 4 cases needed general anesthesia for removal.

Author(s): Sudhir M Naik, Ravishankara S, Mohan Appaji, Goutham MK, N Pinky Devi, Sarika S Naik

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