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Unilateral rhinorrhoea and button battery: a case report
Geng Ju Tuang1, Nik Roslina Nik Hussin1, Zainal Azmi Zainal Abidin1
1Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hospital Selayang, Batu Caves, Malaysia.
Insights
A toddler
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Nasal Foreign Bodies
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Unilateral rhinorrhoea in children can indicate serious underlying issues.
- Parents may underestimate the urgency of nasal discharge, delaying surgical intervention.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for pediatric nasal conditions.
Observation:
- A toddler presented with persistent unilateral nasal discharge to a general practitioner.
- The condition was initially managed as rhinitis but persisted.
- Referral to otorhinolaryngology was necessary for further evaluation.
Findings:
- Nasal endoscopy revealed an embedded foreign body in the toddler's nasal cavity.
- Paranasal sinus X-ray confirmed the presence of a button battery.
- Emergency endoscopic retrieval of the button battery was performed under general anesthesia.
Implications:
- Button battery ingestion/insertion in the pediatric nose requires immediate surgical removal.
- Delayed diagnosis can lead to severe complications, such as septal perforation.
- This case highlights the importance of prompt otolaryngologic evaluation for persistent unilateral rhinorrhoea in children.
Abstract:
Unilateral rhinorrhoea in the paediatric age group could be an alarming sign that warrants a clinician attention. These patients are routinely brought to see general practitioner as parents may not be aware of the urgency to intervene surgically. Herein we describe a case of a toddler who presented initially to a general practitioner with unilateral nasal discharge. He was subsequently referred to the otorhinolaryngology department for unresolved rhinitis. The child was examined, and the diagnosis of an embedded foreign body was made. X-ray of the paranasal sinus unveiled an embedded button battery. An emergency endoscopic retrieval of the button battery was performed under general anaesthesia. Unfortunately, the case was complicated with a huge septal perforation.
