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

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.