title: FOREIGN-BODIES IN THE EAR, NOSE AND ESOPHOGUS IN PEDIATRIC AGE GROUP, AT MEKELLE HOSPITAL ETHIOPIA.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The ingestion of foreign body is a common problem in children, some of which may cause damage or may be associated with toxicity.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate and analyze the pattern of foreign bodies in children in the esophagus, ears and nose with review of the techniques for removal in the emergency department.
  
  
  METHODS
  From Sept 1, 2008 to May 30, 2010, a review of all children with foreign bodies in the esophagus, ears and in the nose was done to assess the patterns and treatment outcomes. The source and the study group were (N-72). Data concerning socio- demographics, characterization, presenting symptoms and signs, techniques of retrieval and outcomes were extracted and filled in a previously prepared protocol sheet. Descriptive analysis was done using SPSS- computer statistical software.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During the study period, 72 children, victims of foreign bodies in the esophagus, ears and in the nose were included in the study. Of these 44 (61.1%), 28 (38.9%) were male and female children, respectively. The age ranged from 11 months to 14 years with (mean = 4 years). The most affected age group was between 0-5 years accounting for 46 (63.9%) followed by the age group between 6-10 years accounting for 20 (27.8%) of all cases. Males 44 (61.1%) were predominantly most affected than females 28 (38.8%). The location of foreign bodies in this study were in the ears 45 (62.5%), esophagus 17 (23.6%) and in the nose 10 (13.9%) in order of their frequency. Swallowed foreign bodies were successfully removed by Magill forceps. Foreign bodies in the ears and in the nose were removed by careful but different techniques depending on the type and the clinical condition of the patient at time of intervention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our study revealed a higher number of patients with foreign bodies in the ears and in the esophagus. Only a small number ofpatients presented with FBS in the nose. Food items in the ears, in the nose and coins in the esophagus were items frequently observed. Early suspicion, early diagnosis and prompt intervention have attributed to reduce morbidities of major events.
authors.forename: Mekonnen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hagos
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D017677:Age Distribution; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004423:Ear; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D004947:Esophagus; D005002:Ethiopia / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009666:Nose; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017678:Sex Distribution