Nasal foreign bodies in children

Abstract

Between 1994 and 1997, a total of 72 nasal foreign bodies were removed from 68 children (28 girls and 40 boys, including 2 repeats) in the ENT Department at Robert Debré Hospital, Paris. Ages ranged from 1 to 12.5 years (median, 3 years) . Two children had bilateral foreign bodies. The unilateral foreign bodies were on the right side in 67.6% of cases. The most frequent objects were plastic objects, beads, paper, cotton and foam. Insertion was witnessed by an adult or reported by the child himself in the majority of cases. The other cases were diagnosed when complications occurred (as seen by persistent rhinorrhea and a foul body odor). All foreign bodies were removed in the consultation room using a hook or nasal forceps.