Nasal Foreign Body in Children
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 7, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
A nasal foreign body
is an object that is stuck in your child's nose. Examples include toys, beads, coins, and food such as beans or seeds.
Common signs and symptoms include the following:
- Pain in your child's nose or sinuses
- Trouble breathing through the nose
- Bad breath
- Bloody nose
- A headache, itching, or sneezing
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- Your child has trouble breathing.
Seek care immediately if:
- Your child vomits, gags, chokes, or drools.
- Your child has neck or throat pain.
- Your child cannot swallow.
- Your child coughs, wheezes, or has noisy breathing.
Call your child's doctor if:
- Your child has a fever.
- Your child's nose continues to bleed or drain fluid after treatment.
- Your child has a headache or pain in the cheeks or around the eyes.
- You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.
Treatment
may include any of the following:
- Medicines may be given to prevent or treat pain, inflammation, or an infection.
- Removal procedures:
- Tools such as forceps or a clamp may be used to grasp the object and pull it out. A curved hook may also be used to scoop the object out of the nose.
- Positive pressure may be used to blow the object out. Your child's provider will use a small tool to push air through your child's other nostril or mouth.
- Suction from a small catheter may be used to suck the object from your child's nose. Suction is most often used when the object is round and smooth.
- Glue may be applied to a small stick, such as a cotton swab cut at one end. Your child's provider will insert the stick into your child's nose. The glue will stick to the object and your child's provider can pull the object out.
- A balloon catheter procedure may be used if other attempts to remove the object have failed. Your child's provider will insert a small rubber tube into your child's nose until it goes past the object. The balloon at the end of the catheter is filled with liquid. Your child's provider will pull the balloon out of your child's nose. The object will come out with the balloon.
- Stitches or medical glue may be used to close a wound in your child's nose.
- Surgery may be needed to remove the object or repair damage.
Follow up with your child's doctor or otolaryngologist as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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