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

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Çekim M. M., MEHEL D. M., Van S., Kuru C., Aydemir S., Turgut N. F., ...Daha Fazla

European Journal of Rhinology and Allergy, cilt.8, sa.3, ss.126-130, 2025 (Scopus)

Özet

OBJECTIVE: Foreign bodies in the ENT region are common emergencies, with 19–49% involving the nose. Known causes of foreign body insertion into the nose in children include behavioral factors 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 consisted of 51 pediatric patients who presented to our ENT clinic with complaints of nasal foreign bodies. The control group consisted of 51 patients of similar age and gender who presented to the ENT clinic for reasons other than the study. Groups were compared for allergic symptoms (nasal discharge, obstruction, itching, sneezing), the presence of one or multiple symptoms, eosinophils as a percentage and count, and eosinophils as a 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 in eosinophils was found between the two groups (p=0.078). CONCLUSION: In pediatric patients presenting with nasal foreign bodies, it is essential 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.