Abstract
Background Nasal foreign body is an ENT emergency commonly seen in pediatric population, but also in those with psychiatric illness or developmental disabilities. This paper reviews cases of nasal foreign bodies seen over a seven-year period from January 2015 to December 2021 in the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) department of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto, Nigeria. Objective To determine the prevalence and pattern of nasal foreign bodies among patients who presented to ENT outpatient clinic of UDUTH Sokoto Materials and method This was retrospective analysis of foreign bodies in the nose and associated complications, seen and managed at ENT outpatient clinic of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto for a period of 7years (January 2015 to December 2021). Sociodemographic, Nature of FB, Treatment Modality, and Associated complication were analyzed using IBM-SPSS version 25. Results The prevalence of nasal FBs (foreign bodies) insertion from this our study is 28.7%. The commonest age group affected was 1-5years 87 (31.3%), followed by 6-10years 48(17.3%), males were more affected with male to female ratio of 1.5:1. Agricultural seed 62(22.3%) is commonest FB identified, followed by beads 55(19.8%). Most patients 167 (60.1%) had no symptoms, 37 patients (13.3%) had nasal obstruction and 33 (11.9%) had rhinorrhea. 276(99.3%) were removed in the clinic/ward and 2(0.7%) were removed under General anesthesia. Conclusion Nasal foreign bodies are commonly seen in age less than 5 years. The prevalence of nasal FBs insertion from this our study is 28.7%. The nasal foreign body may be obvious or may require a high index of suspicion as they may present acutely but can be missed and remain for weeks, months, or even years after insertion.