FOREIGN BODIES OF THE EAR, NOSE, AND THROAT IN CHILDREN: A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF LOCALIZATION, TYPES, AND AGE DISTRIBUTION
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37219/82gx4z67Keywords:
pediatric patients, ENT foreign bodies, nasal cavity, external auditory canal, larynx, emergency otorhinolaryngologyAbstract
Objective. To evaluate the anatomical localization, material types, and age-related distribution of ear, nose, and throat (ENT) foreign bodies in children requiring specialized medical care.
Materials and Methods. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 101 cases of ENT foreign body removal in pediatric patients admitted to the emergency departments of the private clinic "Xayat Medical" and the Clinic of Tashkent State Medical University between January 2024 and May 2026. Data on patients' demographics, anatomical site, and type of foreign object were systematized and analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results. The patients' ages ranged from 12 months to 15 years, with a mean age of approximately 3.4 years. The study cohort included 58 boys (57.4%) and 43 girls (42.6%). ENT foreign bodies were most frequently detected in children younger than 7 years, accounting for 57.4% (n = 58) of all observations. The nasal cavity represented the predominant site of localization, identified in 71 cases (70.3%), followed by the external auditory canal in 21 children (20.8%) and the larynx in 9 patients (8.9%). Regarding material types, the most prevalent retrieved items were paper (18.8%), plastic objects (16.8%), and metallic items (13.9%).
Conclusion. ENT foreign objects are most commonly encountered in infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children under the age of 7, with a higher prevalence among boys. The nasal cavity remains the primary anatomical site of insertion, while common household items and small toys constitute the majority of retrieved objects, emphasizing the need for enhanced parental supervision and targeted preventive education.
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