Nasal foreign object obstructions, or items stuck up a child’s nose, are a common problem among children between the ages of two and five. Depending on the item your child stuck up their nose, you may or may not initially notice it’s there. This guide will help you navigate what to do if you discover your child has something up their nose.
How to Remove Objects
If you’ve determined your child has something stuck up their nose, there are a few initial steps you can take. Some signs to look out for include signs of nasal drainage on one side, a bloody nose or their nasal discharge has a bad odor. If you notice this, If able, the first thing you should do is instruct your child to breathe out of their mouth to avoid sucking it further up the nose.
Then consider the following:
- Do not try to remove the item using anything other than your fingers to avoid pushing the item further into the nose.
- Don’t pull the item out unless it’s hanging from the nose within reach and you know it hasn’t damaged any nasal tissue.
- If your child is old enough, have them cover their open nostril, close their mouth and lightly blow out the object. Try this one to two times.
- Utilize the “Mother’s Kiss” method. It’s effective 60 percent of the time and has no recorded adverse effects. Wait for your child to inhale and when they exhale, cover the open nostril and blow into your child’s mouth until you feel resistance. Use a quick, gentle blow to try to expel the object from your child’s nose.
If the object is something tiny, like a Lego from Imagination Station, and you don’t think you can remove it, seek medical attention. Repeated attempts to remove the object could cause damage or push the item further into the nose.
If you have to seek medical attention, the hospital will have specialized tools to remove a lodged object. If the doctor suspects the item has been ingested, they may perform an X-ray. Extreme cases, such as something being ingested or lodged, may require surgery.
For questions about how to prevent lodged items in your child’s nose, you can speak with a specialist by contacting Spartanburg | Greer ENT & Allergy.
