Children are naturally curious and may insert small objects into their nostrils. This common occurrence typically involves items like small toys, beads, food, or paper. Understanding the proper immediate steps can safely resolve the issue at home or guide the decision to seek professional help. The primary goal is to remove the foreign body without causing further damage or pushing it deeper into the nasal cavity.
When Immediate Medical Attention is Necessary
The nature of the foreign object dictates the urgency of the response, and certain items require an immediate trip to the emergency room.
- A button battery, the small, flat, disc-shaped battery found in watches and remote controls, poses the most severe threat. It can rapidly cause corrosive chemical burns and tissue necrosis inside the nose in as little as four hours due to the electrical current and chemical reaction.
- Any sign of airway compromise, such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, or persistent coughing, means the object risks aspiration into the lungs, which is a life-threatening emergency.
- Bleeding from the nose that does not stop, severe pain, or a child who is uncooperative and distressed also warrant immediate professional medical intervention.
- Objects that are known to swell, such as certain seeds or dried beans, should be treated urgently, as they may rapidly expand and become more difficult to remove.
- If the object is a magnet or a pair of magnets, emergency care is necessary, as they can cause pressure necrosis if they clamp together across the nasal septum.
Safe Removal Techniques to Try at Home
If the child is breathing comfortably, the object is not a button battery or magnet, and the child is relatively calm, non-invasive techniques may be attempted. One effective method is the “Parent’s Kiss” technique, which uses positive pressure to expel the object. This technique is often successful with small, hard objects like beads.
To perform the Parent’s Kiss, the caregiver should first tell the child they are going to give a big kiss to encourage cooperation. The parent then places their mouth completely over the child’s mouth, forming a firm seal, similar to mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. With the unaffected nostril gently sealed shut with a finger, the parent delivers a short, sharp puff of air into the child’s mouth. This action creates a rush of air through the nasopharynx and out the obstructed nostril, which can push the foreign body out.
For older children who can follow simple instructions, a gentle nose-blowing attempt can sometimes dislodge the object. Instruct the child to close their mouth and blow gently but firmly through their nose while the parent seals the unobstructed nostril with a finger. It is important that the child does not sniff or inhale, as this can pull the object deeper into the nasal cavity, increasing the risk of aspiration. If the child becomes upset or uncooperative, these attempts should be stopped immediately to avoid pushing the object further back.
Essential Safety Precautions and Follow-Up Care
Strictly avoid using any household implements to probe or attempt to grasp an object within the nose. Never use cotton swabs, tweezers, fingers, or any other tool to try to pull the object out, as this significantly increases the risk of pushing the foreign body deeper into the nasal passage. Probing can also cause trauma to the sensitive nasal lining, leading to swelling, irritation, or bleeding that makes subsequent removal by a medical professional more difficult.
Do not attempt to flush the nasal cavity with water or other liquids, as this can cause the object to swell or increase the risk of aspiration. If a home removal attempt is unsuccessful after one or two gentle tries, or if the child is uncooperative, stop and seek medical evaluation. The first attempt at removal has the highest chance of success, and repeated, failed attempts only increase the child’s distress and the risk of complications.
After the object is successfully removed, follow-up care is necessary to monitor for any residual issues. Keep an eye on the child for several days for signs of a developing infection or irritation. Symptoms such as persistent, foul-smelling, or bloody discharge from the affected nostril, fever, or facial pain can indicate a complication. A follow-up check with a pediatrician is often recommended to ensure there has been no damage to the nasal septum or surrounding tissues.