Ear and Nose Foreign Bodies Treatment

Foreign bodies in the ear and nose tend to be placed there by curious children.  Common items include small toys, buttons, crayons, batteries, insects and particles of food.

Symptoms

• Loss of hearing
• Sudden onset of wheezing or difficulty breathing
• Pain, redness or drainage in the case of food or insects

Who is at risk?

Children under six or mentally ill adults are those most likely to experience foreign bodies in the ear and nose.

Treatment

Consult a physician to safely remove obstructions without causing further damage or even suffocation.  Removal can be painful as well, and you can trust a physician to know the best method to employ. Physicians might use an instrument to remove the item through the natural opening or even magnets or suction to coax the object out.

Emergency Warning Signs: When should I see a doctor?

Magnets and small batteries in the ear or nose constitute a true ENT (ear, nose, and throat) emergency. It is best to let a physician assess how to remove objects that seem innocently lodged, as repetitive efforts can push the item further into the cavity and cause more harm, and even death.

Treatment for foreign objects in the ear or nose is available now at Newport Urgent Care in Newport Beach, CA.

For more information on ear and nose foreign bodies, see the following websites:

eMedicine – foreign bodies, ear and nose

Web MD – foreign bodies, ear and nose

American Family Physician article on Foreign Bodies in the Ear, Nose and Throat

Disclaimer: The links above are to sites independent of NewportUrgentCare.com.  The pages will open in a new browser window.  The information provided is for educational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your doctor.  Always follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding your specific medical questions, treatments, therapies, and other needs.