Is There a Relationship Between Nasal Foreign Bodies and Allergic Rhinitis in Children?

Year 2025, Volume: 8 Issue: 3 , 126 - 130 , 23.12.2025

Merve Mutlu Çekim

https://doi.org/10.65396/ejra.1762163

https://izlik.org/JA83NM44TE

Abstract

Objective
Foreign bodies in the ENT region are common emergencies, with 19–49% involving the nose. Known causes for foreign body insertion into the nose include behavioral factors in children such as curiosity, a desire to explore orifices, imitation, and boredom. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between nasal foreign body insertion in pediatric patients and the presence of allergic rhinitis and systemic eosinophilia.

Methods:
This prospective, controlled study was conducted between July 2021 and July 2022. The case group included 51 pediatric patients who presented to our ENT clinic with nasal foreign body complaints. The control group was composed of 51 patients of similar age and gender who presented to the ENT clinic for other reasons. Groups were compared for allergic symptoms (nasal discharge, obstruction, itching, sneezing), presence of one or multiple symptoms, eosinophil percentage, and count.

Results:
The presence of at least one allergic symptom and the coexistence of at least two symptoms were significantly higher in the case group compared to the control group (p=0.013 and p=0.03, respectively). Although the eosinophil percentage differed significantly between the groups, it was higher in the control group (p=0.003). No statistically significant difference was found in eosinophil count between the two groups (p=0.078).

Conclusion:
In pediatric patients presenting with nasal foreign bodies, it is important not only to remove the object promptly but also to evaluate for underlying allergic rhinitis. Early diagnosis and treatment of allergic rhinitis may help prevent such behavior-driven incidents in children.

Keywords

Allergic rhinitis , nasal foreign body , eosinophilia

Ethical Statement

GOKA/2020/9/1

Supporting Institution

NO

Project Number

no

Thanks

NO

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