Evaluation of nasal foreign bodies in children

ABSTRACT

This study was performed on 45 children aged 2.5 to 12 years [mean 4.9 years] with history of foreign bodies in the nose to determine the causes behind the insertion of foreign bodies and the investigations needed. Full physical and E.N.T examination was performed before and after removal of foreign bodies. X-rays of nasal cavity and sinuses, audiological and tympanometric testing were performed. Our results showed that insertion of foreign in the nose is associated with E.N.T diseases like Adenoid hypertrophy which was present in 21 patients [46.6 %], maxillary sinusitis in 4 patients [9 %], chronic rhinitis in 3 patients [6.6 %], acute rhinitis in 5 patients [11.1%], deviated nasal septum in 2 patients [4.4 %], 3 patients [6.6 %] were mentally retarded, and finally no findings in 7 patients [15.7%].Furthermore, we suggest that radiological, audiological ,and tympanometric evaluation should be performed in all children with nasal foreign bodies