Epidemiological and Clinical Profile of Upper Aerodigestive Tract Foreign Bodies: A Two-Year Retrospective Study at a Tertiary Hospital

Abstract

Background: Foreign bodies (FBs) of the ear, nose, and upper digestive tract represent a frequent cause of consultation in otorhinolaryngology, particularly in pediatric populations.
Objective: To describe the epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic characteristics of ENT foreign bodies and to analyze their distribution according to age, sex, and anatomical location.
Methods: A retrospective, descriptive, and analytical study was conducted over a two-year period (December 2023–December 2025) at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital of Sétif. All patients managed for intra-auricular, intra-nasal, or esophageal foreign bodies were included. Intrabronchial foreign bodies were excluded, as their management is performed outside the ENT department in our institution.
Results: 110 patients were included, with a male predominance (56.4%). Children under 10 years represented 78.3% of cases. Esophageal foreign bodies were the most frequent (75.5%), followed by nasal foreign bodies (14.5%) and auricular foreign bodies (10%). Coins were the most common esophageal foreign bodies (81.9%). Button batteries were rare (3.6%) but potentially severe.
Conclusion: Foreign bodies in ENT practice predominantly affect children. Esophageal foreign bodies constitute true medico-surgical emergencies requiring early diagnosis and specialized management.