Foreign bodies in the nasal cavity: incidental findings during routine orthodontic radiographs

Abstract

Foreign bodies in the nasal cavity are common amongst young children as they begin to explore their senses. The occurrence in teenagers often goes unreported from a fear of embarrassment therefore resulting in a delay in presentation or until they become symptomatic. The sequelae of foreign bodies in the nasal cavity include prudent discharge, epistaxis, sinusitis and respiratory symptoms. If left untreated this can lead to mucosal necrosis, cutaneous fistula, rhinolith formation and chronic pain. Here, two patients who had foreign bodies in their nasal cavity, which were only discovered as an incidental finding as part of their orthodontic assessment, are reported. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Clinicians should be mindful of the sequelae of foreign bodies in the nasal cavity and the need for thorough assessment of radiographic investigations, particularly in children.