Nasal Foreign Body in Children
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
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.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- Your child has trouble breathing.
Return to the emergency department if:
- 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.
Call your child's doctor if:
- 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.
Medicines:
Your child may need any of the following:
- Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to give your child and how often to give it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines your child uses to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your child's doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
- Ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help decrease your child's pain and fever. They are available without a doctor's order. Ask how much medicine is safe to give your child, and how often to give it. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage and ibuprofen can cause kidney damage if not used correctly.
- Antibiotics help prevent or treat a bacterial infection.
- Do not give aspirin to children younger than 18 years. Your child could develop Reye syndrome if he or she has the flu or a fever and takes aspirin. Reye syndrome can cause life-threatening brain and liver damage. Check your child's medicine labels for aspirin or salicylates.
- Give your child's medicine as directed. Contact your child's healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell the provider if your child is allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs your child takes. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why they are taken. Bring the list or the medicines in their containers to follow-up visits. Carry your child's medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Follow up with your child's doctor or otolaryngologist as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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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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