Foreign bodies in the ear, nose, and respiratory tract (airway) are sometimes seen in children.

Foreign bodies in the ear, nose, and respiratory tract (airway) are sometimes seen in children. Foreign bodies are placed in the ear, nose, or mouth of any object that is not intended to be there and could cause harm without immediate medical attention.

Foreign bodies in the ear

Foreign bodies may be in the ear lobe or ear canal. Objects usually found in the ear lobe are earrings stuck in the lobe from infection or inserted too deeply at the time of insertion. Foreign bodies in the ear canal can be anything a child can push into their ear. Some items commonly found in the ear canal include:

• Food
• Hatred
• Toy
• Buttons
• Crayon pieces
• Small batteries

It is important for parents to be aware that children can do great harm to themselves or other children by putting objects in the ear.

Children often put things in their ears because they are bored, curious, or copying other children. Sometimes a child may put an object in another child's ear during play. Insects can also fly into the ear canal, causing potential damage. It has also been noted that children with chronic outer ear infections tend to place things in their ears more frequently.

Foreign bodies in the nose

Objects put into the child's nose are usually soft things. These include, but are not limited to, tissue, clay, and toy or eraser pieces. Sometimes, a foreign object may enter the nose while the child is trying to smell the object. Children often put objects in their noses because they are bored, inquisitive, or copy other children.

Foreign bodies in the airway

A foreign body (choking) in the airway constitutes a medical emergency and requires immediate attention. The foreign body can become trapped in many different places within the airway. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, death by drowning is the leading cause of death and injury among children younger than age 4.

As with other foreign body problems, children tend to put things in their mouths when they are bored or curious. The child can then breathe deeply and the object can be placed in the "airway" tube (trachea) instead of the "eating" tube (esophagus). Food can cause a blockage in children who do not have a full set of teeth to chew completely, or children who do not chew their food well. Children also do not have full coordination of mouth and tongue, which can lead to problems. Children under the age of four are at risk of choking on small objects, including but not limited to:

• seeds
• toy parts
• grape
• Hot dog
• Pebbles
• Hazelnut
• buttons
• coin

Children need to be monitored very closely to avoid a suffocation emergency.

What is the treatment of foreign bodies in a child's Ear Nose and Throat?

Foreign objects in ear nose and throat Treatment consists of prompt removal of the object by your child's doctor.

After removing the object, your child's doctor will re-examine the ear, nose, and throat. Antibiotic drops for the ear may be prescribed to treat possible infections.

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