MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Foreign body in the nose

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Foreign body in the nose

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition Considerations Symptoms	First Aid Do Not Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if Prevention

Illustrations

Nasal anatomy

Alternative names Return to top

Nose - objects in

Definition Return to top

First aid for a foreign object inserted into the nose.

Considerations Return to top

Curious young children may insert small objects into their nose in a normal attempt to explore their own bodies. Potential objects may include food, seeds, dried beans, small toys, crayon pieces, erasers, paper wads, cotton and beads.

A foreign body allowed to remain in the nose may lead to irritation and infection. The child may have difficulty breathing.

Symptoms Return to top

foul-smelling or bloody nasal discharge
difficulty breathing through the affected nostril
irritation
sensation of something in the nostril

First Aid Return to top

Do not probe the nose with cotton swabs or other tools. Doing so may push the object further into the nose.
Have the victim breathe through the mouth. He or she should avoid breathing in sharply (which may force the object in further).
Once it is determined which nostril is affected, gently press the other nostril closed and have the victim blow gently through the affected nostril. Avoid blowing the nose too hard or repeatedly.
If this method fails, get medical help.

Do Not Return to top

DO NOT try to remove an object that is not visible and easy to grasp; doing so may push the object farther in or cause damage to tissue.
DO NOT use tweezers or other instruments to remove an object lodged deeply in the nose.

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if Return to top

You cannot easily remove a foreign object from the victim's nose.
You suspect an infection in the nose after removal of a foreign object from the victim's nose.

Prevention Return to top

Keep small objects out of the reach of infants and toddlers.
Discourage your child from putting foreign objects into body openings.

Update Date: 5/6/2003

Updated by: Jason Newman, M.D., Department of Otolaryngology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Group, Washington, DC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.