Foreign Body in the Nose

Any foreign object in the nose that is not supposed to be there is a foreign body in the nose. Small children under five years old commonly have this issue, but it is naturally uncommon for grown-up children and teenagers to have foreign objects in their noses.

Natural curiosity and an impulsive nature make children curious and explore the things and objects around them. They express their curiosity by asking questions and exploring the world around.

To a certain extent, it’s alright to have this instinctive behaviour, but it may sometimes become dangerous as children tend to put foreign objects in their ears, nose, and mouth. The risk associated with this act is choking hazard and serious injuries. Even if it seems to be harmless, the risk of serious injuries and infections is always there.

This is a list of some of the common objects that children commonly put in their nostrils – food, clay, dirty particles, tissue papers, pieces of eraser, small toys, and pebbles. Children put any of these objects into their noses, copying other children or out of curiosity. There is also a possibility of foreign objects entering the nose while smelling or sniffing an object or during sleep.

Button batteries are a bit worrisome because if they get inside, the risk of serious injury to the nasal passage increases manifold. Even if it remains inside for 3 to 4 hours, the damage it causes could increase several times.

Signs and Symptoms of a Foreign body in the nose

When you suspect that your child has put something in his or her nose and look up their nose, you may not be able to see it properly. The signs and symptoms of a foreign object in the nose may include:

Nasal discharge – it could just be clear liquid, mucus, pus, bloody, gray and greenish as well. Irrespective of the colour and nature of the drainage, if you smell bad odour, then it could be a sign of infection.

Choking sensation, seems to be gasping for air or breathing difficulty through the chocked nostril.

The best measure you must take is to remain calm – and don’t be very anxious as this may trigger panic reaction in your child as well.

Diagnosing a foreign body in the nose

If you suspect that something has gone inside your child’s nostrils, which you cannot see properly or completely, then make an appointment with an ENT specialist. The doctor will see your child and have him or her lie back to examine the nose thoroughly with a very special portable lighted instrument. The doctor collects a nasal sample (Swab) and sends it for a test to detect bacterial infection.

Here are some of the methods for removing the object

Make your child comfortable, as the best treatment for this condition is only the removal of the foreign object from the nostril. All that you have to do is ask your child to gently blow his nose, which will help in removing the object. This is what is needed mostly.

Use a tweezer to remove any foreign object that can be possibly removed with it – but be careful with smaller objects, as they might get pushed further deep inside. Tweezer helps remove larger objects.

Don’t use cotton swabs or fingers to remove objects stuck in the nose. These acts can push the object further inside. Encourage your child to breathe through the mouth until the object is removed from the nostrils.

Visit an ENT Specialist immediately if you are unable to remove or see the object. The doctor will remove the object by using different methods and techniques.

During the process of removing the foreign object, make your child more comfortable. The ENT doctor might give a topical anaesthetic to numb the nose

The doctor may also prescribe antibiotics or a nasal drop to prevent or treat an infection.