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[Halitosis in two children caused by a foreign body in the nose]
1Afd. Kindergeneeskunde, Academisch Ziekenhuis Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam. thj.haumann@azvu.nl
Insights
Nasal foreign bodies can cause halitosis (bad breath) in children. Prompt removal of these objects can resolve the offensive odor, highlighting a crucial diagnostic consideration.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Dentistry
- General Pediatrics
Background:
- Halitosis in children is often linked to poor oral hygiene or oral cavity diseases.
- Systemic disorders, respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal issues can also contribute to bad breath.
- The epidemiology of halitosis in pediatric populations remains under-researched.
Observation:
- Two pediatric patients presented with halitosis.
- A nasal foreign body was identified as the cause in both cases.
- Halitosis resolved completely after the foreign bodies were removed.
Findings:
- Nasal foreign bodies are a potential, often overlooked, cause of halitosis in children.
- While oral hygiene is the primary focus, persistent halitosis warrants investigation beyond the oral cavity.
- This case underscores the importance of considering nasal pathology in pediatric halitosis.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider nasal foreign bodies in the differential diagnosis of pediatric halitosis, especially in persistent or unexplained cases.
- Early identification and removal of nasal foreign bodies can effectively treat halitosis.
- Further research into the prevalence and management of pediatric halitosis is needed.
Abstract:
In two boys aged 4.5 and 1.5 years with halitosis a nasal foreign body was found. After removal the foetor disappeared. Little is known about the epidemiology of halitosis in children. Apart from specific odours with certain systemic disorders, local pathology such as chronic sinusitis, upper and lower respiratory tract infections and to a lesser degree gastrointestinal disorders may be the cause of the offensive smell. As in adults, bad breath in children is usually related to poor oral hygiene or disease of the oral cavity. The first-line treatment is proper oral hygiene and if necessary dental sanitization. In resistant cases further evaluation should be aimed at disclosing the causative pathology, in which case in children the possibility of a nasal foreign body should also be considered.