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Review
. 2018 Oct;36(10):553-559.
doi: 10.1016/j.mpsur.2018.08.008. Epub 2018 Sep 29.

Infections and foreign bodies in ENT

Mriganka De  1   1 , Shahram Anari  1   1
Affiliations
Review

Infections and foreign bodies in ENT

Mriganka De et al. Surgery (Oxf). 2018 Oct.

Abstract

Infections of the ear, nose and throat are common. The majority of these infections are managed by the primary care physicians and they settle with conservative and medical management. However, a small group can progress to become troublesome and develop complications to the extent that they may require surgical intervention. Some of the infections can lead to life-threatening complications therefore awareness and correct diagnosis along with appropriate management is paramount. Foreign bodies in the ear, nose and throat are commonly encountered. The location and type of foreign body can have an implication on the urgency of action and the possible complications. In this article the common ENT infections and foreign bodies and their management are discussed.

Keywords: Foreign body; neck abscess; neck deep space infections; otitis externa; otitis media; quinsy; rhinosinusitis; sinusitis; tonsillitis.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Acute mastoiditis in a child. The pinna has been pushed forward due to post-auricular swelling over the mastoid bone. (Photo: Courtesy of Mr Andrew Robson, ENT Consultant)
Figure 2
Figure 2
Potts Puffy Tumour. Note the swelling over the central forehead. (Photo: Courtesy of Mr Andrew Robson, ENT Consultant)
Figure 3
Figure 3
Right-sided quinsy demonstrated by right peritonsillar swelling and uvula pushed to the left. The tonsil on the side of quinsy is often hidden from view due to the surrounding swelling. Quinsies are almost invariably associated with some degree of trismus. Note the safe aspiration point at the intersection of two imaginary lines (one running horizontally at the base of the uvula and the other running vertically at the anterior tonsillar pillar.
Figure 4
Figure 4
CT scan of neck with contrast shows a right parapharyngeal abscess and gas (caused by a gas-producing micro-organism).
Figure 5
Figure 5
Butten battery is removed using a wax hook with a back-to-front motion
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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