A mother of two was surprised when doctors extracted a piece of adhesive tape from her nose, a foreign object that had been lodged there for 35 years. Candela Reybaud had no recollection of how the tape got into her nose but speculated that it might have been left behind during a medical procedure when she was a newborn experiencing respiratory distress.
Living her entire life with a partially blocked nostril, Candela was unaware of the obstruction. The health influencer, with a substantial Instagram following, mentioned that she had grown accustomed to the breathing difficulty. She expressed, “I’ve always struggled to breathe through my nose, especially on the right side. This affected my physical activities and sleep, forcing me to breathe through my mouth since childhood.”
Recounting a severe sinusitis experience a year prior, Candela shared that recent symptoms prompted her to seek further medical examination. A CT scan revealed a foreign body, identified as a rhinolith, which was successfully removed by the doctor using forceps during an endoscopic procedure.
Reflecting on the bizarre discovery, Candela pondered the origin of the tape, linking it to a potential incident in her infancy involving a nasal tube. The removal of the tape brought immediate relief, though residual swelling persisted. She expressed gratitude for the resolution without the need for surgery.
Having shared her story on social media, Candela received overwhelming support globally. She emphasized the importance of seeking timely medical attention and not dismissing lifelong symptoms as normal. Candela’s experience serves as a reminder to pay attention to one’s health and seek medical advice when needed.