Analysis of nasal foreign bodies in 341 children

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to analyse the common presentations and treatment outcomes in cases involving nasal foreign bodies.MethodsA retrospective study was carried out over three years, from January 2014 to December 2017. Patient biodata, clinical presentation, nasal foreign body type and management outcome data were obtained from the medical records and analysed.ResultsA total of 341 cases were analysed. The average patient age was 3.7 ± 1.2 years (range, 1–19 years).Of the nine cases involving button batteries, septal perforation was initially seen in four cases and three cases had subsequent septal perforation.ConclusionOnly button battery nasal foreign bodies were associated with increased septal perforation. Use of physiological seawater nasal spray was found to reduce the likelihood of septal perforation. Most nasal foreign bodies could be removed under local anaesthesia.