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Nasal positive-pressure technique for nasal foreign body removal in children
Richard C Navitsky1, Alan Beamsley, Steve McLaughlin
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Providence Health System, Anchorage, AK, USA.
Insights
The nasal positive pressure technique offers a safe and efficient method for removing nasal foreign bodies in children. Parents found this procedure less traumatic than injections or tongue depressor exams.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Nasal foreign bodies are common in pediatric emergency medicine.
- Various removal techniques exist, but novel, less invasive methods are sought.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the nasal positive pressure technique for nasal foreign body removal in children.
- To assess parental perception of procedural trauma compared to other methods.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of pediatric patients undergoing nasal foreign body removal.
- Utilized the nasal positive pressure technique.
- Follow-up telephone survey of parents regarding their experience.
Main Results:
- Nine pediatric patients were included over one year.
- Average triage-to-discharge time was 34 minutes.
- No sedation, consultations, or complications were reported.
- 100% of surveyed parents found it less traumatic than an injection; 80% found it less traumatic than a tongue depressor exam.
Conclusions:
- The nasal positive pressure technique is a safe, efficient, and minimally traumatic option for pediatric nasal foreign body removal.
- Parental feedback indicates a favorable experience with this method.
Abstract:
Nasal foreign bodies in children are often encountered in emergency medicine and many methods of removal exist. This study examines the nasal positive pressure technique, a method not previously described in the literature. A retrospective chart review of nasal foreign body removal using the nasal positive pressure technique was conducted, as well as, a follow-up telephone survey of patient's parents. Nine patients were identified over a 1-year period. The average time from triage to discharge was 34 minutes (15-106 minutes). No sedation, consultation or complications were recorded. Five of the 9 parents completed the survey. All 5 (100%) described the procedure less traumatic than an injection, and 4 (80%) described the procedure similar or less traumatic than an oral pharyngeal exam with a tongue depressor. Nasal positive pressure technique for nasal foreign body removal is a safe and efficient method, and it is relatively nontraumatic in the view of parents.
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