Foreign bodies in the ear, nose, and airway refer to any object that is inserted into these areas, which can be harmful, especially for children. Children often place objects in these areas out of curiosity, boredom, imitation, or sometimes, by others. Common objects found include food items, insects, toys, buttons, crayons, or batteries. Parents must be vigilant and take precautions to prevent such incidents. Inorganic materials may go unnoticed as they sometimes cause no symptoms, but food, insects, and batteries can cause pain, redness, or discharge. One-sided nasal discharge can indicate the presence of a foreign object. Airway foreign bodies require immediate medical attention as they can be life-threatening. Symptoms may include:
- Choking or gagging when the object is initially inhaled
- Initial coughing
- Wheezing (a whistling sound produced when the child breathes out)
Treatment involves prompt removal of the foreign object by an ENT specialist. Depending on the situation, the object may be removed using specialized instruments, by cleaning the ear canal with water, or by employing a suction machine to extract the object. The doctor will also examine the ear to check for any associated injuries