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Button batteries as foreign bodies in the nasal cavities
1Department of Otolaryngology, Taipei Municipal Women and Children Hospital, Taiwan.
International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|November 1, 1987
Summary
Button batteries lodged in nasal cavities can cause severe tissue damage. Immediate removal is crucial to prevent long-term complications like septal perforation and nasal stenosis.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Foreign Body Ingestion/Inhalation
Background:
- Button batteries, common household items, pose a significant risk when aspirated or inserted into nasal passages, particularly in children.
- Nasal foreign bodies can lead to rapid tissue damage due to chemical reactions and pressure necrosis.
Observation:
- A 6-year-old girl presented with a button battery in her left nostril, exhibiting ulceration of the nasal septum and inferior turbinate.
- A 3-year-old boy with a button battery in his nasal cavity did not develop septal perforation or nasal meatus stenosis.
Findings:
- Button battery nasal foreign bodies can cause varying degrees of local tissue damage, including ulceration.
- The severity of damage may depend on factors such as battery type, duration of impaction, and promptness of removal.
Implications:
- Prompt medical evaluation and immediate removal of nasal button batteries are essential to prevent irreversible complications.
- Delayed intervention increases the risk of sequelae, including septal perforation and nasal stenosis, impacting airway function and aesthetics.