Foreign body nose - an unusual presentation (Short Communication)

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Emergency Medicine
• Pediatric Otolaryngology

Background:

• Foreign bodies in the ear and nose are frequent occurrences, particularly in pediatric populations.
• Adults typically present with more common ear foreign bodies such as cotton swabs or matchstick fragments.
• Nasal foreign bodies in adults are less common and often result from specific accidental or intentional acts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of a metallic pellet foreign body in the nose of an adult male.
• To highlight the diagnostic and management considerations for unusual nasal foreign bodies in adults.
• To contribute to the literature on traumatic nasal foreign body impactions.

Main Methods:

• A case report of a 20-year-old male presenting to the emergency department.
• Clinical history of accidental injury from an air gun.
• Diagnostic imaging to confirm the presence and location of the suspected metallic pellet in the nasal cavity.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with a suspected metallic pellet foreign body in the nose following an air gun incident.
• Confirmation of the metallic pellet's presence within the nasal cavity via diagnostic evaluation.
• Successful management and removal of the foreign body (details of removal not specified in abstract).

Conclusions:

• Nasal foreign bodies in adults, especially those of metallic or projectile origin, are uncommon but require prompt medical attention.
• Accidental trauma with air guns can lead to serious foreign body impaction in the nasal passages.
• This case underscores the importance of considering a broad differential for nasal foreign bodies in adults, even in non-pediatric patients.