An unusual cause of facial pain

A case of foreign bodies self-inserted into the paranasal sinus via an oroantral fistula

Foreign bodies in the nasal cavity are rarely seen in adults, and most cases are traumatic in origin. Multiple foreign bodies in adults are particularly rare. Foreign bodies induce pain, bleeding, and infection but are easily removed in most cases. A patient presented with multiple toothpick foreign bodies in the nasal cavity, which were introduced intentionally through an oroantral fistula. We report an adult case with 37 toothpicks in the nasal cavity, which were removed successfully with a nasal endoscope. Oroantral fistula closure was achieved through oral surgery. Voluntary insertion of foreign bodies into the body by patients with mental illnesses is relatively difficult to identify. Evaluating and managing the psychiatric problems of such patients during treatment planning are necessary.

Multiple Intranasal Foreign Bodies: An Incidental Diagnosis

Inquisitive children often insert foreign bodies into their nose or other body orifices while they explore their own bodies in early childhood. Intranasal foreign bodies are found in children, most commonly in 2-4 years olds.

Common symptoms in such cases include pain or discomfort, nasal discharge, nasal congestion, nasal odor, including bromhidrosis (foul body odor). Complications, such as facial cellulitis, epiglottitis, and cephalic tetanus have also been reported. Mentally challenged children may be at a higher risk for such foreign body insertion and may need to be examined at regular intervals.

Careful interpretation of dental radiographs can go a long way in diagnosing such cases especially in the absence of a positive history. Radiolucent objects are more difficult to identify especially in the absence of a positive history, and hence their diagnosis and removal is more challenging for the clinician.

Dental practitioners can play a significant role in the diagnosis of intranasal foreign bodies in children through careful clinical examination and interpretation of dental radiographs.

This case report describes a child referred for dental care and a diagnosis of intranasal foreign body was made based on routine dental panoramic radiograph.

Removal of a metallic foreign body embedded in the external nose via open rhinoplasty approach

Most metallic foreign bodies are inert, but they can cause chronic inflammatory reactions and be a source of infection. Identification and removal of foreign bodies from wounds is often necessary. The present report describes two cases of a foreign body embedded in the external nose. Each case was successfully treated by an open rhinoplasty approach. This approach is an effective and safe method for removal of foreign bodies in the external nose. It provides a good surgical field and a better cosmetic outcome than a conventional incision.

An unusual intranasal foreign body in an unsuspecting 9-year old

This report describes the incidental finding and removal of an unusual intranasal foreign body in a 9-year-old boy. The spectrum of items lost and found in the nasal cavity are reviewed before discussing the management of this case. Dental Practitioners should remain vigilant as radiopaque foreign bodies can be identified on commonly taken dental radiographic views. Patients should be referred promptly for foreign body removal in order to minimize potential complications.

Long-standing intranasal foreign body: an incidental finding on dental radiograph: a case report and literature review

A case of an incidental finding of an intranasal foreign body on a dental panoramic radiograph is reported. The foreign body, a calculus-encrusted plastic pearl, had been asymptomatic despite being present for over 20 years. The diagnosis of a nasal foreign body in a patient is of significance if an oral surgical procedure is being planned with the patient under general anesthesia because the foreign body may be dislodged into the airway during nasal intubation. Similar reports of incidentally discovered intranasal foreign bodies on dental radiographs are reviewed. The epidemiology, diagnosis, management, and complications of nasal foreign bodies are discussed.