MANAGEMENT OF COMMON FOREIGN BODIES IN OTOLARYNGOLOGY

Foreign body management is an important aspect in the practice of a general practitioner1. In Singapore, the most common foreign body we encounter would be fishbone. This is not surprising as steamed fish is a common dish in our Asian diet. In spite of the rapid advances in medical technology, a good history taking and physical examination remain the most important step in helping us clinch a diagnosis. In this article, we will focus on the common foreign bodies seen in the Ear, Nose and Throat area as a general practitioner, and the tips and pearls in the examination and management. In each section, there will also be some tips on the red flags to look out for and when a tertiary referral should be made.