Objects in the Nose

Overview

Young children are more likely than older children or adults to put small objects up their noses. These include things like beads, dried beans, popcorn, plastic toy pieces, foam rubber, or small batteries. If the child doesn't tell you about it, your first clue may be a bad-smelling green or yellow discharge or blood (epistaxis) from one of the child's nostrils. The child's nose may also be tender and swollen.

Some objects in the nose cause more problems than others. Disc batteries (also called button cell batteries) are more dangerous than other objects. They should be removed right away. The moist tissue in the nose can cause the battery to release strong chemicals (alkali) quickly, often in less than 1 hour. This can cause serious damage to the sensitive mucous membranes that line the nose. Seeds, such as beans or popcorn, can swell from the moistness of the nasal tissue. This can make them hard to remove.

An object in the nose may cause some irritation and swelling of the mucous membranes inside the nose. This swelling can cause a stuffy nose and make it hard to breathe through the nose.

Infection can occur in the nose or in the sinuses after an object is inserted. The longer the object is in the nose, the more likely it is that an infection will develop. The first sign of infection is usually increased drainage from the nose. It's usually from only one nostril. The drainage may be clear at first but then turns yellow, green, or brown. It may smell bad. As the infection gets worse, symptoms of sinusitis or another infection will develop.

An object put in the nose may cause a nosebleed if the object irritates the tissues in the nose. The nasal tissue can be damaged from pressure against the object. This is called pressure necrosis.

Older children and adults can also inhale objects while working closely with small objects. Nose rings and metal studs from nose piercings can also cause nose problems. A piece of glass may enter the nose during a car crash. You may not be aware of this because of other injuries.

Self-Care

How to remove an object from the nose

1. Breathe through your mouth since the nose is blocked.
2. Pinch closed the side of the nose that doesn't have the object in it.

   You may need to help a child pinch their nose.

3. Try to blow the object out of the blocked side.

   Be sure to only blow out. Don't try to breathe in through your nose. This could cause the object to choke you or block your airway.

4. Blow your nose forcefully several times.

   This may blow the object out of the nose.

5. Use fingers or tweezers if the object is partially out of the nose.

   Be careful not to push the object farther into the nose. If a child resists or is not able to stay still, do not attempt to remove the object.

Some minor bleeding from the nose may occur after the object is removed. This usually is not serious and should stop after firmly pinching the nose shut for 10 minutes.

Remove disc battery quickly

A disc battery in the nose must be removed immediately. The moist tissue in the nose can cause the battery to release strong chemicals (alkali) quickly, often in less than 1 hour. This can cause serious damage to the sensitive mucous membranes lining the nose.

If you or your child has a disc battery in the nose, do not use nose drops or sprays of any type. This can cause the battery to corrode more quickly.

You may try to remove the disc battery yourself. But if you are not able to remove it, contact your doctor immediately. If you are not able to contact your doctor, go to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Disc batteries are found in toys, watches, hearing aids, cameras, calculators, and some remote-controlled devices. They are also called button cell batteries. These batteries are small, usually less than 0.5 in. (1.3 cm) across, and can be easily inserted into the nose.

Caring for yourself after removing the object

Some tenderness and nasal stuffiness are common after removing an object from the nose. Home treatment will often relieve a tender, stuffy nose and make breathing easier.

• Drink extra fluids for 2 to 3 days to keep mucus thin.
• Breathe moist air from a humidifier, hot shower, or sink filled with hot water. Follow the directions for cleaning the humidifier.
• Increase the humidity in your home, especially in the bedroom.
• Use a saline nasal spray to help loosen mucus.
• Check the back of your throat for postnasal drip. If streaks of mucus appear, gargle with warm water to prevent a sore throat.
• Keep your head raised at night by sleeping on an extra pillow. This will decrease nasal stuffiness.
• If your nose is still stuffy, you can try a decongestant or a steroid nasal spray.

  Be careful with these medicines. They may not be safe for young children or for people who have certain health problems, so check the label first. If you do use these medicines, always follow the directions about how much to use based on age and weight. Avoid products that contain antihistamines, which dry the nasal tissue.

When to call for help during self-care

Call a doctor if any of the following occur during self-care at home:

• New trouble breathing.
• New signs of infection, such as swelling, pus, or a fever.
• Symptoms occur more often or are more severe.

Preparing For Your Appointment