Analysis of foreign bodies in the ear, nose, and throat in pediatric patients: Second level hospital experience in the Eastern Anatolia Region

Abstract

Objectives: In this study, demographic data, foreign body characteristics, and treatment approaches of pediatric patients treated for foreign bodies in the otorhinolaryngology clinic were discussed. Patients and Methods: Demographic data, location, type, treatment method, and complications of 110 patients (54 male, 56 female; mean age 4.4±2.9 years; range, 1.5 to 16 years) who were treated for foreign bodies in the ear, nose, and throat between January 2022 and March 2023 were evaluated retrospectively. Results: It was observed that the mean age of children with a foreign body in the ear was significantly higher than the mean age of children with a foreign body in the nose (p<0.001). Of the foreign bodies, 57 (51.8%) were detected in the nose, 47 (42.7%) in the ear, and six (5.5%) in the throat. Of the foreign bodies, 39 (35.5%) were organic, 71 (64.5%) were inorganic, and the most observed foreign body was beads (n=18, 16.4%). The foreign body was removed under general anesthesia in five (4.5%) of the patients. Conclusion: Foreign bodies are one of the most common otolaryngological emergencies in the pediatric age group. Foreign bodies with delayed diagnosis and treatment may cause complications. Therefore, it is important that foreign bodies are removed by otolaryngologists using appropriate instruments and techniques.