Nasal Foreign Body
Description
A foreign substance in the nasal cavity. Most of these patients are children and occur when the child puts the object in their nose. At times the foreign body become lodged deeply in the nose and cannot easily be seen by parents but can cause symptoms of a runny nose and recurrent infections that are thought to be a sinus infection (sinusitis). At times these objects can be difficult to remove and may require general anesthesia for sedation.
Symptoms
Thick yellow nasal discharge, foul odor from the nose, noisy breathing, itching, nasal pain, recurrent nosebleeds, headaches.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be done. A CT scan will only be needed if there is suspected associated injury, suspected associated infection, or if the foreign body cannot be visualized.
- CT Scan
Treatment
Many methods can be used to remove the foreign body ranging from grabbing the object with forceps to forcing air through the other nostril. At times the patient may need to be sedated. If there is an associated laceration sutures may need to be done. Rarely surgery is required to repair an associated injury.
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