THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT - FOREIGN OBJECTS IN EAR – NOSE – THROAT

🔹 What Are ENT Foreign Bodies?
ENT (Ear–Nose–Throat) foreign bodies refer to any external object that accidentally enters and becomes lodged in natural cavities such as the ear canal, nasal cavity, throat, or larynx.

This is a common ENT emergency that can cause discomfort, infection, or even be life-threatening if not managed correctly and promptly.

🔹 Classification by Location
ENT foreign bodies are categorized based on their location:

1. Ear: Beads, plastic fragments, insects, beans, cotton swab tips, pencil leads, crayon pieces, foam, paper, etc.
2. Nose: Beads, insects, beans, button batteries, sponge, rubber pieces, paper, leeches, etc.
3. Throat: Fish or chicken bones, food particles, pill with intact casing, dentures, etc.

🔹 Common Causes and At-Risk Populations
Typical Causes:

• Accidental ingestion of bones during meals
• Insects entering the ear while sleeping
• Cotton swab tips or other objects breaking off in the ear
• Leeches entering the nose during outdoor bathing or jungle trekking
• Intentional or accidental insertion by children (common curiosity or peer-related incidents)
• Confusion or cognitive decline in the elderly or neurologically impaired individuals leading to accidental swallowing of objects like pill casings or dentures

At-Risk Groups:

• Children (1–6 years old)
• Elderly individuals
• People with cognitive impairments or mental disorders
• People living, bathing, or working near rivers, streams, or forests

🔹 Symptoms by Location

• Ear: Ear pain, tinnitus, discharge, hearing loss, possible movement or buzzing sensation if insects are present
• Nose: Unilateral nasal obstruction, foul-smelling discharge (possibly with blood), irritability or crying in children
• Throat: Sensation of something stuck, pain when swallowing, difficulty swallowing, coughing, blood-streaked saliva

🔹 Diagnosis

• Clinical examination using light sources and ENT-specific tools
• Endoscopy (rigid or flexible) to accurately locate, size, and identify the foreign body
• X-rays, especially useful for radiopaque objects (e.g., bones, metal)

🔹 Management and Treatment
⚠️ Important Note: Do NOT attempt to remove foreign bodies at home. Actions like picking, digging, or trying to swallow more food to push it down can make things worse—forcing the object deeper, damaging tissue, and increasing the risk of infection.

In a clinical setting: An ENT specialist will use appropriate techniques and specialized tools to safely remove the object.
Medication may be prescribed if there is evidence of infection.

🔹 Complications if Left Untreated

• Local or spreading infections: otitis externa, otitis media, neck abscess
• Button batteries can cause severe tissue necrosis within hours – emergency removal required
• Physical trauma from insect activity or improper handling: ear canal tears, tympanic membrane perforation, nasal or pharyngeal mucosal damage, bleeding
• Airway obstruction if the object falls into the larynx or trachea – a life-threatening emergency
• Foreign body lodged in the esophagus

🔹 Prevention of ENT Foreign Bodies
For Children:

• Do not allow access to small objects like beads, coins, batteries
• Avoid unsupervised eating with small food items
• Choose toys that meet safety standards (no detachable small parts)
• Keep button batteries out of reach
• Avoid giving small seeds or nuts without supervision

For Adults:

• Avoid inserting objects deeply into the ear (e.g., cotton swabs)
• Protect ears while sleeping outdoors or in areas with many insects
• Chew food thoroughly, avoid talking or laughing while eating
• Never lie down while eating or chew while multitasking
• When hiking or bathing in natural settings, use protective gear like masks, earplugs, wide-brimmed hats, facial nets, and avoid direct ground contact—use mats or hammocks instead

👉 ENT foreign bodies are common but potentially dangerous.
Timely identification, correct handling, and professional removal are essential to avoid severe complications. Avoid home removal attempts and seek medical attention promptly from an ENT specialist for safe, effective care.