Clinical spectrum of ear, nose and throat foreign bodies at a tertiary hospital in Zanzibar, Tanzania

Abstract

Abstract Objective: Presence of foreign bodies (FBs) in the ears and upper aerodigestive tract is a common encounter in children unlike adults in otorhinolaryngology practice. Such foreign bodies form a major part of emergencies that the otorhinolaryngologist needs to attend. The high prevalence in children can be attributable to the inquisitive nature of children and their tendency to explore the environment. This study was a cross sectional study that aimed to determine the clinical spectrum of such foreign bodies at the largest tertiary hospital in Zanzibar, Tanzania. Results: In this study, there were more females, 56(58.9%) than males, 39(41.1%) with female to male ratio being 1.4:1. Children aged less than 10 years predominated in this study, 69(72.6%). The nose, 36(37.9%) and ear, 29(30.5%) were the commonest sites were foreign bodies lodged followed by the pharynx, 22(23.2%) and esophagus, 10(8.4%). Regarding types of foreign bodies, inorganic 49(51.6%) types predominated and were mostly coins 17(17.9%). Majority of foreign bodies were removed in less than 24 hours (53.6%) and complications were found in 29(30.5%) patients and being more with nasal foreign bodies. Majority of those with complications presented 24 to 72 hours post lodging of foreign bodies