Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 20, 2025

Nasal Brushing Sampling and Processing Using Digital High Speed Ciliary Videomicroscopy – Adaptation for the COVID-19 Pandemic
Published on: November 7, 2020
Asymptomatic COVID-19 infection in a child with nasal foreign body
Gillian R Diercks1, Brian J Park2, Laura B Myers2
1Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA, USA; Newton Wellesley Hospital, Newton, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Insights
Asymptomatic children can carry SARS-CoV-2, posing risks during airway procedures. Preoperative testing is crucial for managing pediatric cases, especially those with foreign bodies, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Critical care medicine
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Children, especially infants, are vulnerable to severe COVID-19.
- Over 55% of pediatric COVID-19 cases are asymptomatic or mild.
- Aerosolized SARS-CoV-2 remains viable for hours, risking healthcare workers during aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs).
Abstract:
While children, particularly infants, are susceptible to severe and critical COVID-19 disease, over 55% of pediatric cases are present in asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic children. Aerosolized SARS-CoV-2 viral particles remain viable for up to 3 hours, raising concern about risk to healthcare workers during aerosol generating procedures (APGs) in the airway and nasopharynx. Herein we describe the first case of a nasal foreign body in an asymptomatic child with SARS-CoV-2 infection. We discuss management of this child and highlight the importance of considering asymptomatic infection and preoperative testing when planning procedures of the airway in the COVID-19 era.
More Related Videos
09:02Infection of Primary Nasal Epithelial Cells Grown at an Air-Liquid Interface to Characterize Human Coronavirus-Host Interactions
Published on: September 22, 2023
07:36Contact-Free Co-Culture Model for the Study of Innate Immune Cell Activation During Respiratory Virus Infection
Published on: February 28, 2021
Related Concept Videos
Suctioning the Nasopharyngeal Airway
Equipment Required
Nose and Nasal Cavity
Tonsillitis I: Introduction
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
Epistaxis
Etiology
Possible causes of this condition include high blood pressure, trauma, low humidity, upper respiratory tract infections, allergies, foreign bodies, nasal inhalation of corticosteroids or illicit drugs, excessive use of decongestant nasal sprays, facial or nasal surgery, anatomic malformation, tumors, or systemic...
Anatomy of Respiratory System I: Upper Respiratory Tract
Nose and nasal cavity
The nose and nasal cavity represent the main external openings of the respiratory tract....
Acute Pharyngitis
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause: