Nasal foreign bodies among pediatric population in Zaria-Nigeria

Background: Nasal foreign body (FB) is a common reason for presentation to the emergency units and the Otorhinolaryngologist. Objectives: To report the pattern and management of pediatric nasal FBs in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Zaria. Methodology: The records of patients managed for nasal FBs over a 5-year period between January 2013 and December 2017 were reviewed. Data obtained for this study included demographic characteristics such as age, sex, type of FBs, laterality or bilaterality, method of removal, and presence or absence of complications. The data were analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solution version 23.0. Results: There were 48 (55.8%) males and 38 (44.2%) females with male-to-female ratio of 1.3:1. The mean age was 3 years with standard deviation of ±1. In total, 76 (88.4%) of the patients were between 1 and 4 years of age. Beads (30, 34.9%) and foam (15, 17.4%) were the most common FBs inserted into the nose in this study by the patients. Among the different nasal FB, there were 57 (66.3%) inorganic FBs and 29 (33.7%) organic FBs. Right nasal cavity (43, 50%) was the most common site of lodgment in this series followed by the left nasal cavity (43, 48,8%). Nasal FB were removed in the clinic using instruments in 85 (98.8%) cases. Conclusion: Children between 2 and 4 years are more prone to nasal FB inhalation. There is the need for increased awareness among the parents who use beads for decoration or worship and indiscriminate disposal of button batteries.