Nasal foreign bodies: an analysis of 130 patients

Abstract

This study aims to investigate clinical manifestations and treatment protocols in patients with a diagnosis of nasal foreign bodies. We retrospectively evaluated 130 patients (72 males, 58 females; mean age 3.65±2.31 years; range 15 month to 72 years) who were diagnosed with nasal foreign bodies and received treatment between November 2008 and July 2013. Age and sex of the patients, type of foreign body, side of presentation, signs and symptoms, management practices, and outcomes were recorded. Most of the patients were children between the ages of 2 and 5 (n=113, 86.9%). The most common foreign bodies were small plastic toys (43.8%), nut, walnut, corn, bean and the other seed grains (29.2%). Foreign bodies were detected in the right nasal passage in 74 patients (56.9%), left nasal passage in 54 patients (41.6%) and both nostrils in two patients (1.5%). Of the patients, 92.3% were admitted to our clinic within 24 hours. Nasal foreign bodies are frequent encountered in the emergency setting of ear, nose, and throat diseases. Although they are not life-threatening conditions, they require urgent intervention, as they may lead to several complications in the long-term. Parents and caregivers of children should keep objects which can be put into the nose away and be instructed that they should consult a physician in case of nasal foreign bodies.