FOREIGN BODIES IN THE EAR, NOSE, AND THROAT: CLINICAL CHALLENGES AND MANAGEMENT

Nawazish Ali; Muneeba Attique

doi:10.46903/gjms/24.1.2299

FOREIGN BODIES IN THE EAR, NOSE, AND THROAT: CLINICAL CHALLENGES AND MANAGEMENT

Nawazish Ali, Muneeba Attique

Abstract

A foreign body is defined as any object or substance present in a part of the body where it does not normally belong. Foreign bodies involving the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) constitute one of the most frequent emergencies encountered in otorhinolaryngology outpatient clinics and emergency departments worldwide. Despite advances in healthcare delivery and increased public awareness, these cases continue to pose a significant clinical challenge, accounting for nearly 11% of all ENT emergencies. Children, particularly those under three years of age, are the most affected population and experience the highest rates of morbidity and mortality. Foreign bodies may be lodged in natural orifices such as the external auditory canal, nasal cavity, pharynx, or aerodigestive tract, or may penetrate the soft tissues of the maxillofacial region.

Keywords

Complicated foreign bodies; Ear; Foreign bodies; Nose; Otorhinolaryngology; Throat.

Full Text:

PDF PDF

References

Srivanitchapoom C, Yata K. Complicated cases in foreign bodies of the ear, nose, and throat: a case series. Colomb Med. 2024 Jun 30;55(2):e2045837. https://doi.org/10.25100/cm.v55i2.5837

A S, D K. Foreign bodies of ear, nose and throat in paediatric age groups: a retrospective study. J Med Sci Res. 2025 Apr 2;13(2):150–6. https://doi.org/10.17727/JMSR.2024/13-26

Udagatti VD, Kumar RD. Foreign bodies in the ear, nose, and throat: our clinical experience and management perspectives. J Med Sci. 2025 Aug 1;11(1-4):456–63. https://doi.org/10.5005/jp-journals-10045-00421

Loperfido A, Mammarella F, Giorgione C, Celebrini A, Acquaviva G, Bellocchi G. Management of foreign bodies in the ear, nose and throat in pediatric patients: real-life experience in a large tertiary hospital. Cureus. 2022 Oct 26;14(10):e30739. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.30739

Paladin I, Mizdrak I, Gabelica M, Golec Parčina N, Mimica I, Batinović F. Foreign bodies in pediatric otorhinolaryngology: a review. Pediatr Rep. 2024 Jun 19;16(2):504–18. https://doi.org/10.3390/pediatric16020042

Lomate S, Ekhar V, Chandankhede V, Shelkar R, Vedi J. A prospective clinical study of foreign bodies in ear, nose and upper aerodigestive tract – our experience. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2023 Dec 29;75(4):3461–6. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12070-023-04015-6

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46903/gjms/24.1.2299