Goals

To remove a well-visualized foreign body from the nose, relieve pain, and prevent infection.

Background

A nasal foreign body refers to organic (e.g., food particles, cotton pieces, insects) and inorganic (e.g., beads, rocks, toys) materials inserted into the nose. Children older than 9 months of age often present with foreign bodies in the nose as this is the age that the pincer grasp is developed and tiny objects can be maneuvered and inserted in the nose. Foreign body removal from the nose can be done with positive pressure techniques, mechanical extraction, or glue. The most common complication of nasal foreign body removal is some epistaxis afterward.

Contraindications

Referral to a otolaryngologist is warranted in the following situations:

• If the foreign body is a battery of any type, time-sensitive removal is warranted due to risk of tissue necrosis and septal perforation
• Inadequate resources to manage an uncooperative patient