Background: Presence of foreign bodies (FBs) in the ears and upper aerodigestive tract is a common encounter in children unlike adults in otorhinolaryngology practice. FBs form a major part of emergencies in otorhinolaryngology. Studies on ear, nose and throat FBs in Tanzania are scarce. Objective: To determine the clinical spectrum of ear, nose and throat FBs at the largest tertiary hospital. Methods: A descriptive hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted where 95 patients were recruited at the Hospital from December 2019 to May 2020. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSSs) version 24. 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 younger than 10 years predominated in this study, 69 (72.6%). The nose, 36 (37.9%) and ear, 29 (30.5%) were the commonest sites where FBs lodged followed by the pharynx, 22 (23.2%) and oesophagus, 10 (8.4%). Regarding types of FBs, inorganic types, 49 (51.6%) predominated and were mostly coins, 17 (17.9%). Majority of FBs were removed in less than 24 h (53.7%) and complications were found in 29 (30.5%) patients and being more pronounced with nasal FBs. Majority of those with complications presented to the hospital 24–72 h post lodging of FBs. Conclusion: FBs were encountered more commonly in children aged younger than 10 years. The nose was the commonly affected anatomical site followed by the ear, pharynx and oesophagus. The commonest FB was a coin. The inorganic FB type predominated and the most common inorganic type was a coin while the commonest organic type was a seed. Complications were encountered in those who presented between 24 and 72 h post FB lodgment.

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