Children under 3 years of age are vulnerable to foreign objects in their natural openings, such as:
- eyes,
- ears,
- nose,
- respiratory tract,
- digestive tract.
These foreign bodies can take many forms, such as:
- tiny toy parts,
- screws, batteries,
- beads,
- buttons,
- pieces of paper or fabric,
- small rocks,
- food.
The symptoms will depend on the size and location of the object. It is crucial that you do not try to remove the object yourself as this may make the situation worse.
As parents or guardians of children under the age of 3, it is important to take precautionary measures to avoid accidents. This can include selecting age-appropriate toys, storing small objects out of reach, carefully supervising children during meals and teaching basic safety rules.
In addition, it is essential to read manufacturers' recommendations carefully to avoid risks. Manufacturers of toys and other children's products should also take safety measures to minimize the risk of foreign objects entering children's natural openings.
If an incident occurs, it is important to remain calm and seek immediate professional medical help. Medical professionals are trained to safely remove foreign bodies and minimize damage. Overall, prevention and vigilance are essential to protect children from these serious risks.
Definition and Meaning
A foreign body in an orifice is an object or substance that has accidentally entered one of the human body's orifices, such as the mouth, nose, ear, eye or genitals. Foreign bodies can come in different sizes, shapes and types, and can cause pain, inflammation, infection or more serious complications, depending on their location and nature. Young children are particularly vulnerable to foreign bodies because they tend to put objects in their mouths or noses. Foreign objects should be removed by a health care professional to avoid serious complications.
Foreign objects in the eyes
Foreign objects can be found in different parts of the eyes, such as
- penetrating wounds,
- the cornea,
- the conjunctival sac,
- lacrimal points,
- the external part of the eye.
These foreign bodies can cause significant damage to vision if not treated promptly.
Foreign objects in the ears
Foreign objects can also get into the ears, blocking the ear canals and auricle. This can cause temporary deafness or even infections. It is important not to try to remove the foreign body yourself, as this can cause further damage.
Foreign objects in the nose
Foreign objects can also get into the nostrils and nasal cavity, causing blockages and infections. It is important not to try to remove the foreign body yourself, as this can cause further damage.
Foreign objects in the airway
Foreign bodies can also be found in the airways, such as:
- the pharynx,
- throat,
- nasopharynx,
- the larynx,
- the trachea,
- the bronchi,
- the lungs.
75% of these foreign bodies are food. These foreign bodies can cause
- Coughing,
- wheezing,
- redness of the face,
- cyanosis.
In extreme cases, they can cause asphyxiation, requiring rapid emergency response.
Foreign bodies in the ingestion tract
Foreign objects can also be found in the ingestion tract, such as the mouth, esophagus, stomach and even through an ostomy. Ingestion of a foreign body usually goes unnoticed, but may cause straining to swallow or attempts to vomit. In most cases, the foreign body will be eliminated by the natural route within 24 to 48 hours of ingestion.
Foreign bodies in the genital tract or anus
Foreign bodies can also end up in the genital tract or anus, causing pain, bleeding, infection and injury. It is important not to try to remove the foreign body yourself, as this can cause further damage. Foreign bodies can be sex toys, household objects, fruits or vegetables, etc. It is important to supervise children to prevent this from happening.
In a nutshell
Foreign objects in children's natural orifices are a real risk that can cause significant health damage. It is important to supervise children under the age of 3 and to read the manufacturers' recommendations carefully to avoid this type of risk. If a foreign object is introduced, it is important to seek medical attention immediately rather than trying to remove the foreign object yourself.