Imagine: You’re a busy parent enjoying a quiet afternoon with a good book when suddenly your toddler approaches, looking sheepish, and says, “I put a Lego in my nose.” Something resembling panic sets in as you realize your child has something other than their finger up a nostril. And it’s not coming out.
Or another scenario: A self-starting adult, you’re working on a DIY project, and a small piece of debris unexpectedly flies into your face. Instead of finding its way into your eye, it enters your nose. Discomfort ensues. And you just can’t seem to remove it.
Both situations are far more common than you’d think. Whether it’s a child exploring new options or an adult encountering an unexpected mishap, foreign objects in the nose can happen to anyone.
Knowing how to handle these incidents is crucial.
Common Causes of Nasal Foreign Bodies
Nasal foreign bodies are far more common in children under the age of 2, for obvious reasons. Young children often explore by inserting objects into their bodies.
Common items retrieved by medical professionals include:
- Beads
- Small toys
- Food particles
- Paper
That being said, adults occasionally seek urgent care for foreign objects in the nasal passage as a result of accidents, such as the inhalation of debris during work or hobbies, or – more commonly – medical conditions. Individuals with psychiatric disorders or developmental disabilities may also be more prone to such incidents.
Symptoms of Foreign Bodies in the Nose
Sometimes a child will come right out and tell you they put something in their nose, particularly if they’re scared or uncomfortable. Just as often, however, they’ll stay quiet, either out of embarrassment or because they don’t realize anything is wrong. That’s why it’s important to recognize the telltale signs.
Common symptoms of a foreign object in the nose include:
- A visible object in the nostril.
- One-sided nasal drainage (may be foul-smelling or yellow-green).
- Nasal congestion that doesn’t improve with typical cold remedies.
- Sneezing, nosebleeds, or discomfort when touching the nose.
- A whistling sound while breathing (in rare cases).
If your child suddenly develops these symptoms and there’s no sign of a cold or allergy, a foreign object could be the culprit.
Prevention: Reducing the Risk of Nasal Foreign Bodies
Preventing foreign objects from ending up in a child’s nose is all about supervision, education, and wise choices when it comes to toys and household items.
For younger children, it’s important to keep small objects like beads, buttons, seeds, and tiny toy parts well out of reach. Opt for age-appropriate toys that don’t include removable or breakable pieces that could fit into the nose. Teach your child from a young age that their nose is not a place for anything but air.
Also, never underestimate a child’s curiosity. Even something as ordinary as a crayon or piece of cereal can quickly become a problem when a child decides to “experiment.”
For adults, avoiding uncomfortable and embarrassing visits to urgent care because of foreign bodies boils down to the usage of masks or protective equipment during those activities that expose you to airborne particles or debris. Always be cautious when handling small objects near your face.
What You Can Try at Home
If your child is calm and the object is clearly visible, you may be able to remove it gently with a tissue or by encouraging them to gently blow their nose while you press the clear nostril closed. This technique has been shown to be safe and effective in some cases.
However, doctors strongly urge parents not to attempt removal with tweezers, cotton swabs, or other tools, as it risks pushing the foreign object further into the nasal passage, which can make the situation markedly worse.
If your child is distressed, unable to blow their nose effectively, or if the object is not visible, don’t delay. Visit urgent care.
When to Visit Urgent Care vs. the Emergency Room
Urgent care is a safe and effective option for most nasal foreign body removal. At FirstCall Medical Center, our team is experienced in gently removing objects from children’s noses using the right tools and techniques.
You should bring your child to urgent care if:
- You can’t see the object clearly.
- Nasal discharge is foul-smelling or persistent.
- The child is in discomfort or distress.
- An at-home attempt at removal was unsuccessful.
Go to the emergency room or call 911 immediately if:
- Your child is having trouble breathing.
- The object is a button battery or magnet. Both can cause serious damage quickly.
- Your child is unresponsive or severely distressed.
How Urgent Care Can Help
At FirstCall Medical Center, we understand that situations like this can be scary for parents and kids alike. Our providers will assess your child gently, explain what’s happening in kid-friendly terms, and safely remove the object using proper medical techniques.
In many cases, removal is quick and uncomplicated. Our trained doctors and nurses are also prepared to treat any swelling, infection, or irritation caused by the object and offer follow-up guidance to ensure a full recovery.
Should I Go to Urgent Care for a Foreign Object in the Nose?
If you suspect something is stuck in your child’s nose (or your own!), don’t wait and wonder, especially if discomfort or signs of infection are present. At FirstCall Medical Center, we’re here to help you handle the unexpected with compassionate, professional care. We’ll get your little one feeling better and breathing easier in no time.
