Correlation between Nasal Foreign Bodies and Their Presentation in Paediatric Age Group

Abstract

Objectives: To observe the relationship of nasal foreign bodies in terms of patient’s age as well as the type of foreign body and removal technique. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in ENT department, Akbar Niazi Teaching Hospital, Islamabad from April 2017 to May 2018. A total of 120 patients selected by non-probability consecutive sampling technique with inclusion criteria of all children less than 12 years with foreign body in nose were recruited for this study after taking written informed consent. Patients who had concurrent nasal infections and trauma were excluded. Children age, gender, site, type of foreign body and removal technique were recorded. Data was analyzed by using SPSS version 21. Results: A total of 120 patients were presented with nasal foreign bodies, 107 cases were successfully dealt with in OPD while 13 patients were admitted for removal under general anaesthesia. The commonest affected age group was 2-5 years (78.33%) with more females (55.75%) than males (44.25%). Organic type of foreign body was 55.8% and inorganic type of foreign body was 44.2%. Seeds and small nuts (35%) were found to be the commonest types of nasal foreign body. The correlation between age groups, types of foreign body, removal technique and site of foreign body was significant (p value ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Nasal foreign bodies are commonly faced problem in children, specially in 2-5 years of age. They are largely harmless but complications can occur if neglected. Prevention remains the best option while for non-cooperative and attempted cases, removal under general anaesthesia is safe and preferred.

Keywords

• Age groups
• Foreign bodies
• Nasal obstruction
• Pediatrics