Nasal Foreign Body in Children

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.

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What is a nasal foreign body?

A nasal foreign body is an object that is stuck in your child's nose. This is most common in children 2 to 6 years old.

What are some common nasal foreign bodies?

• Food, such as beans or seeds
• Pieces of sponge
• Erasers
• Small toys or pieces of toys
• Beads or coins
• Rocks or pebbles
• Button batteries or magnets
• Insects or worms

What are the signs and symptoms of a nasal foreign body?

• Pain in your child's nose or sinuses
• Trouble breathing through his or her nose
• Bad breath
• Bloody nose
• A headache, itching, or sneezing

How is a nasal foreign body diagnosed?

Tell your child's healthcare provider if you know what object is in your child's nose. Tell the provider if you tried to remove the object. The provider will look into both of your child's nostrils with a nasal speculum. This is a small tool used to hold the nostrils open. Your child may need any of the following:

• Rhinoscopy is a procedure to help your child's provider look deeper into your child's nose. A rhinoscope is a small, thin tube with a light and camera on the end.
• X-ray pictures may show certain objects, such as metal, glass, and gravel.

How is a nasal foreign body treated?

• Medicines may be given to prevent or treat pain, inflammation, or an infection.
• Removal procedures:
  • Tools such as forceps or a clamp may be used to grasp the object and pull it out. A curved hook may also be used to scoop the object out of the nose.
  • Positive pressure may be used to blow the object out. Your child's provider will use a small tool to push air through your child's other nostril or mouth.
  • Suction from a small catheter may be used to suck the object from your child's nose. Suction is most often used when the object is round and smooth.
  • Glue may be applied to a small stick, such as a cotton swab cut at one end. Your child's provider will insert the stick into your child's nose. The glue will stick to the object and your child's provider can pull the object out.
  • A balloon catheter procedure may be used if other attempts to remove the object have failed. Your child's provider will insert a small rubber tube into your child's nose until it goes past the object. The balloon at the end of the catheter is filled with liquid. Your child's provider will pull the balloon out of your child's nose. The object will come out with the balloon.
• Stitches or medical glue may be used to close a wound in your child's nose.
• Surgery may be needed to remove the object or repair damage.

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• Your child has trouble breathing.

When should I seek immediate care?

• Your child vomits, gags, chokes, or drools.
• Your child has neck or throat pain.
• Your child cannot swallow.
• Your child coughs, wheezes, or has noisy breathing.

When should I call my child's doctor?

• Your child has a fever.
• Your child's nose continues to bleed or drain fluid after treatment.
• Your child has a headache or pain in the cheeks or around the eyes.
• You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's healthcare providers to decide what care you want for your child. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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