Nasal Foreign Body Presenting as Unilateral Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyposis

Abstract

Although nasal foreign bodies (FB) are common in pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, their long-term complications often go unrecognized. A witnessed nasal FB receives immediate intervention and often has no complications. However, an unwitnessed FB may persist in the nasal cavity and go unnoticed. This can cause chronic unilateral nasal discharge and a bad odor. In rare circumstances, it can present as rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis. This case highlights an unusual polyp-forming scenario, underscoring the importance of considering such diagnoses. This is a case report of 6-years-old female patient who presented to our unit with history of progressive right nasal blockage and discharge of about a year duration. She had earlier received medical treatment without improvement. Nasal examination revealed reduced patency of the right nasal cavity, nasal discharge and nasal polyps. Computed Tomography (CT) scan revealed opacification of the right nasal cavity and maxillary antrum. Patient was evaluated and booked for Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS). Intraoperatively, upon removal of nasal polyps, FB was incidentally discovered and removed. Polyp sent for histology turned out to be inflammatory. Patient was seen four weeks postoperative with complete resolution of the symptoms. Long standing nasal FB can elicit inflammatory reaction leading to development of nasal polyps with eventual obstruction of the nose and maxillary ostium, thereby manifesting with features of rhinosinusitis.