Deliberate self-harming application of superglue in the nose: case report and literature review

Accidental and non-accidental applications of superglue in the ear, nose and oral cavity have been reported previously. Surgical removal of glue from the nose is the current practice. This paper reports the case of an 18-year-old female, who presented with complete bilateral nasal occlusion due to d...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of laryngology and otology 2015-01, Vol.129 (1), p.98-100
Main Authors: Tikka, T, Al Abduwani, J, Costello, D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adhesives - adverse effects
Adolescent
Anorexia Nervosa - psychology
Clinical Records
Female
Humans
Intubation, Gastrointestinal - psychology
Literature reviews
Nasal Obstruction - etiology
Nasal Obstruction - therapy
Nose - injuries
Self-Injurious Behavior
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Summary:Accidental and non-accidental applications of superglue in the ear, nose and oral cavity have been reported previously. Surgical removal of glue from the nose is the current practice. This paper reports the case of an 18-year-old female, who presented with complete bilateral nasal occlusion due to deliberate self-application of superglue in both nostrils to avoid nasogastric tube insertion. Removal of glue was accomplished with a combination of local anaesthetic cream and acetone-soaked cotton buds, which caused only minimal discomfort to the patient. All traces of glue disappeared within 10 days, without causing damage to the nasal mucosa, nasal blockage or pain. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of deliberate self-application of superglue in the nose. A successful non-surgical management option for the removal of glue from the nose is introduced.
ISSN:0022-2151
1748-5460
DOI:10.1017/S0022215114003314