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Loom bands and young children - a tragedy waiting to happen?

I R M Bohler1, C Douglas1, S Ansari1

  • 1Department of ENT,Monklands Hospital,Airdrie,Scotland,UK.

The Journal of Laryngology and Otology
|December 11, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Loom bands are a popular toy, but can pose a choking hazard. Parents should be aware of the risks of children inserting these small rubber bands into their noses, which can lead to airway obstruction.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Otolaryngology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Loom bands, a popular children's toy, consist of small rubber bands used for crafting.
  • Foreign bodies in pediatric nasal and aural cavities are common presentations to Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) departments.
  • Nasal foreign bodies carry a risk of inhalation and subsequent airway obstruction.

Observation:

  • A case series of four pediatric patients presenting with loom band foreign bodies in the nose over a 7-day period.
  • The cases occurred at a district general hospital in Scotland.
  • All four cases were successfully managed without the need for general anesthesia.

Findings:

  • The increasing popularity of loom bands presents a potential hazard for pediatric airway obstruction.
  • Vigilance is required from parents, retailers, and manufacturers regarding the risks associated with loom bands.

Implications:

  • There is an urgent need to raise public awareness about the potential dangers of loom bands.
  • Healthcare professionals should be prepared for an increase in loom band-related foreign body incidents.
  • Further research may be warranted to assess the long-term risks and prevention strategies for loom band-related injuries.
Abstract

Keywords:
Airway Obstruction

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