Foreign Body, Nose

Presentation

Children frequently present after inserting foreign bodies (FBs) into their nares. They may report the FB, or the event may be observed. Sometimes, however, the history is obscure, and the child presents with local pain; a purulent, unilateral nasal discharge; epistaxis; a nasal voice change; or foul breath. The most commonly encountered nasal FBs are beans, peanuts or other foodstuffs, beads, toy parts, pebbles, paper wads, and eraser tips. Most FBs can be seen on direct visualization using a nasal or otoscope speculum. These objects usually lodge on the floor of the nose just below the inferior turbinate or immediately anterior to the middle turbinate.