Shocking Discovery: 15-Year-Old Had Bullet Lodged in Nose for 8 Years

In a remarkable medical case, a 15-year-old boy discovered that he had a bullet lodged in his nose for eight years. Initially unable to smell, he began experiencing a foul discharge, prompting a visit to the doctor. The shocking revelation came when doctors found the bullet, which had been undetected since he was shot at a young age. This unusual incident highlights the complexities of medical diagnoses and the human body's resilience. Read on to learn more about this extraordinary story and the medical procedures involved in removing the bullet.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 19, 2026, 08:24 IST

A Surprising Medical Case

The world is vast, and unusual incidents occur frequently. Take, for instance, a 15-year-old boy who had been unable to smell anything for the past eight years. Recently, he began experiencing a discharge of foul-smelling fluid from his nose. Concerned, his parents took him to a doctor, where they were astonished to learn the cause of his nasal issues. Doctors discovered a bullet lodged in his nose, which had been there for eight years without anyone's knowledge.

It may seem unbelievable that a bullet could remain in a child's nose for such an extended period, but this case was documented in the JAMA Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery journal. According to the report, the bullet had caused the boy's anosmia, and the recent discharge was a result of the bullet's presence.

When the boy first visited the doctor, a tube camera was used to investigate his nasal cavity. The examination revealed an issue known as Turbinate Hypertrophy, which causes swelling in the nasal passages. A subsequent CT scan showed a 9mm circular structure in the nasal cavity, which was later surgically removed.

The boy's family recounted that he had been shot when he was around 8 or 9 years old, but no symptoms had prompted them to seek medical attention at that time. However, the bullet's presence eventually led to various symptoms. Locating the bullet was challenging for the doctors, as new tissue had completely encased it. They had to surgically remove the healthy-looking tissue to accurately identify the bullet's location before successfully extracting it.

This entire incident is truly astonishing. It's rare to hear about someone carrying a bullet in their body for years without any awareness.