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An intranasal foreign body is any object in the nose that should not be there under normal circumstances. It is most common in children, but can occur at any age.
The most common objects involved are food, toys, marbles, and necklace beads.
The symptoms are obstructed airflow, foul-smelling mucus, bleeding, and restlessness.
An examination of the nose will reveal the impacted object, and it is advisable to take an x-ray to look for other foreign bodies in other locations.
An otolaryngologist should remove it with appropriate instruments and examine the area.
- Glenn C Isaacson, MD, FAAP. Aderonke Ojo, MD. Diagnosis and management of intranasal foreign bodies. UpToDate. Mar 07, 2016.
- Chinski A, Foltra F, Gregori D, et al.. Foreign bodies in children: A comparison between Argentina and Europe. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2012; [Epub ahead of print].
- François M, Hamrioui R, Narcy P. Nasal foreign bodies in children. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 1998; 255:132.
- Celenk F, Gokcen C, Celenk N, et al. Association between the self-insertion of nasal and aural foreign bodies and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2013; 77:1291.
Dr. Sara Vitoria
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