Nasal foreign body

Nasal foreign body means that an object is present in the nose when it is not naturally supposed to be there. Children under the age of five often have this issue. Nasal foreign bodies are usually benign but have the potential to cause mucosal damage, bleeding, infection, and aspiration. The nasal foreign body may be obvious or may require a high index of suspicion. It is often present acutely but can be missed and remain for weeks, months, or even years after insertion. This activity reviews the evaluation of suspected nasal foreign bodies and highlights the role of the interprofessional team in treating this condition.
Although a Nasal foreign body rarely poses a true emergency, certain ones, such as batteries and magnets, can cause extensive, permanent damage and require emergency removal.
Symptoms

Runny nose

  • One side

  • Discharging pus

  • Foul-smelling

common

Blocked nose

common

Feeling agitated

or Child is constantly crying

common

Sternutation

Facial pain

  • Nasal

or Headache

  • On one side of the head

  • Frontal region

or Face is sore to touch

  • Nasal

Nosebleed

Face swelling

  • One side

Snoring

Fever

  • Greater than or equal to 38°C (100.4°F), Less than 38°C (100.4°F)

Whistling breathing

or Noise while breathing

Risk factors

History of nasal foreign body insertion

Treatment
Treated with the removal of the nasal foreign bodies by a skilled physician with minimal risk of complications. Common removal methods include the use of forceps, water irrigation, and suction catheter.
Recommended specialist

If you have Nasal foreign body, then a visit to an ENT specialist is highly recommended.

Contact an

ENT specialist

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