About this topic
A nasal foreign body is caused by something getting stuck in the nose. Children sometimes put small objects in the nose. Some of these objects include food, disc batteries, beads, cotton, magnets, tissue, clay, erasers, seeds, coins, buttons, and small toys such as marbles. ‚
What are the causes?
- Your child is curious about the body
- Your child may be bored or busy playing
- Your child may be copying some other childs actions
- An insect may fly or crawl into your child's ear and stay there. This may happen when a child is asleep, and most often when outside or on the floor.
- An injury to your child's nose may cause pieces of broken bone and cartilage to become foreign bodies.
What are the main signs?
- Drainage from nose
- Bad smell from the side of the nose with the foreign body
- Nosebleed
- Pain in the nose
- Itching in the nose
- Headache
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Trouble breathing
- Sinus infection
If your child puts something in the nose, your child may also try to put something in the other side of the nose, in an ear, or in the mouth. Your childs doctor can check to make sure that is not the case. ‚
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
The doctor will take your childs history and will do an exam. A nasal speculum may be used to look at your child's nose. This tool helps to open the nostrils for a better look. The doctor will also look for things such as an injury, bleeding, or infection. If the doctor does not see an object during this exam, an x-ray may be ordered. ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Based on the type of foreign body and where it is located, the doctor may use one of these methods to remove it: ‚
- Pressure ¢ ˆ ’ Once it is known which side of the nose has the foreign body, direct pressure can be put on the other nostril while your child blows gently through the nose. The doctor may use a bag device to put on pressure. This sometimes forces the object out of the nose. A suction machine may be used to remove an object from your childs nose as well.
- Tools ¢ ˆ ’ A tool that can grab the foreign body, such as forceps, may be used to remove the object. A hook with a curve may also be used to scoop out a foreign body. These types of tools are often used when the foreign body is located near the opening of the nose. For magnet removal, special tools may be needed.
- Catheter ¢ ˆ ’ A catheter is a thin tube that can be put into your child's nose. Some catheters have a balloon on the end that can be filled with air once the tube is past the foreign body. As the tube is gently pulled out, it may force the foreign body out of your child's nose. This works well for smooth objects that do not fully block the nose.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Prevent or fight an infection
Make sure your child takes all drugs as ordered. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Keep all small objects out of your childs reach.
- Teach your child not to put foreign objects into body openings.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Otolaryngology ¢ ˆ ’ Head and Neck Surgery ‚
http://www.entnet.org/healthinformation ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/dictionary/f/az-foreign-nose.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚