Patterns and clinical presentation of foreign bodies in ENT among Sudanese children in Khartoum state hospitals

Abstract

Background: Foreign bodies (FBs) in ENT are a common problem in Sudanese children and are associated with life threatening complications.

Objectives: To study the patterns and presenting symptoms of children who are presented with foreign bodies Inhalation, Ingestion and insertion in the Nose and Ears.

Methodology: This is a prospective hospital based descriptive study, conducted at Khartoum ENT Hospitals from March 2013 to January 2015.

Result: 150 patients with foreign bodies were studied in Khartoum ENT Hospitals. The commonest age group between 3–6 years in 64% of patients. Male to Female ratio is1.3:1. F.Bs nose constituted higher percentage in (28%) of cases, F.Bs inhalations were presented in (24.7%), F.Bs ear were presented in (24.7%) and F.Bs ingestion were presented in (22.7%). Regarding the type of inhalations, peanut was presented in (56.8%) of cases and the commonest presenting symptoms was cough in (94%) of patients.

Conclusion: Certain food items especially peanuts if given to children below the age of 2 years have to be given with caution and under close supervision. Bronchoscopy should always be considered in optimum conditions. Public health education is essential in order to prevent these avoidable problems.

Keywords: F.Bs, ENT, Khartoum