Foreign Body Entrapment in the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT)

Foreign body entrapment in the ear, nose, and throat is among the most frequent reasons for visiting the ENT emergency room. The most common objects trapped in the ear, nose, and throat, especially in children, include: toys, coins, buttons, and needles. The issue of fishbone entrapment in the throat is also a very common situation. Since some objects can pose serious health hazards, immediate medical attention is necessary.

Foreign Body in the Ear

The most common foreign objects found in the ear are foods (nuts, seeds, etc.), insects, and toys. In some cases, these objects can lead to serious problems such as damage to the outer or middle ear. Therefore, one should go to the emergency room as soon as foreign body entrapment in the ear is noticed. While the object in the ear sometimes causes no symptoms, it can occasionally manifest as pain, redness, discharge, or hearing loss.

Foreign Body in the Nose

Children generally insert soft objects such as toys, tissues, or erasers into their noses. In some cases, certain particles, especially from nature, can enter the nose through sniffing. The symptom of such problems is usually discharge. Blood and inflammation are also seen in some cases.

Foreign Body in the Airway

Foreign body entrapment in the airway is one of the emergency situations that must be treated most quickly. Especially in infants/children whose teeth development is incomplete, obstructions may occur due to the inability to chew food. Airway obstruction manifests as cessation of breathing, increasingly severe coughing, a whistling or wheezing sound from the throat, bluish discoloration, and chest pain. If treatment is delayed in advanced cases, the child may suffer loss of consciousness.

Foreign Body in the Esophagus

Objects lodged in the esophagus are generally toys and foods (like fishbones). Such problems manifest as difficulty swallowing, pain, and respiratory obstruction.

Foreign body entrapment in the ear, nose, or throat are emergencies that must be intervened by ENT doctors. Approaches other than by a doctor can lead to situations that may even result in death. In case of suspicion, the emergency room should be consulted.