Rajendra K. Teharia, S. K. Bhargava
BACKGROUND The most common complaint in emergency department of an otorhinolaryngology clinic is foreign body of ear, nose and aerodigestive tract. The factors affecting management of ear, nose and aerodigestive tract foreign bodies are types and nature of foreign bodies, site of enlodgement, time of presentation and delay in removal process. We wanted to study the pattern of presentation of foreign bodies in otorhinolaryngology department with specific attention to time delay to presentation, diagnosis, management and complications. METHODS All patients who presented to otorhinolaryngology department with history of ear, nose and throat foreign bodies were included in study. A standard questionnaire was designed, and all data collected regarding age, sex, types of foreign body, site of enlodgement, time delay to presentation and removal were recorded and analysed. RESULTS Ear foreign bodies are more common than nasal and aerodigestive tract foreign bodies. Ear and nose foreign bodies were common on right side then left side. Most of foreign body cases presented between 6-10 years of age and majority of them came to hospital within 24 hours of foreign body insertion. All foreign bodies were removed within 24 hours of admission without any major complication. CONCLUSIONS Foreign bodies in ear, nose and aerodigestive tract are very common in otorhinolaryngology clinic and may cause discomfort and various complications. The key to successful management is early presentation to otorhinolaryngologist, early diagnosis and prompt removal of foreign bodies. These ear, nose and aerodigestive tract foreign bodies are very common in children. Sometimes aerodigestive tract foreign bodies especially bronchial foreign bodies can cause some serious complications if diagnosis and management is delayed. Ear and nose foreign bodies are common on the right side than left side. By increasing awareness regarding these facts, we can decrease foreign bodies incidence and their complications
