Nose Foreign Body
Nose Foreign Body Causes
Nose foreign body is typically caused by children who place food, toys, or other objects into their nostrils. Indeed, the vast majority of cases are those that result from voluntarily placing an object into the nasal cavity for whatever reason. In some cases, however, the nose foreign body may be caused by a force or trauma that accidentally shoves or pushes an object into the nose.
Nose Foreign Body Definition
Nose foreign body pertains to the presence of an object not normally present in the nose or the nasal cavity. Common objects found inside the nasal cavity include tissue paper, food material, toys, beads, and rocks.
Nose Foreign Body Diagnosis
Most nasal foreign bodies can be detected through good lighting and a few key instruments. If an object is deeply wedged into the nasal passages, a fiberoptic camera or a CT scan may be considered.
Nose Foreign Body Symptoms and Signs
Most cases of nose foreign body occur in toddlers and children aged 1 to 8 years old. Kids typically learn to pick up objects (toys, in particular) at 9 months, and from then on, will have a tendency to stick anything up their nasal cavity. Some objects are simply stuck and do not cause any problems or symptoms. In other cases, the nose foreign body may cause such symptoms as: clear nasal discharge in early stages; thick, yellowish and foul-smelling discharge in later stages; breathing difficulties; and pain in or around the nose.
Nose Foreign Body Treatment
A foreign body can usually be removed easily and safely from the nose by blowing the nose or through careful removal of the object by a doctor. Urgent removal of the nasal foreign body is rarely needed. Frequently, there is adequate time to assemble the tools necessary to safely remove the object and perhaps provide anesthesia or sedation to minimize pain or discomfort during removal. Larger forms of nasal foreign body may require: hooked probe or forceps; balloon catheters; suction catheter; cyanoacrylate glue; or positive pressure ventilation.