Foreign Body Inside Nose, Ear Or Throat - Know The Do's & Don'ts!

Foreign bodies in the nose, ear, and throat are mostly seen in family practice, generally among young children. Some of the most common foreign objects are plastic toys, food, and small household items.

Diagnosis is delayed most of the time because the event causing the problem is unobserved and symptoms are nonspecific, leading to an initial misdiagnosis. Most of such foreign bodies can be removed by a skilled physician with minimal risk and complications using instruments like forceps, suction catheter, and water irrigation. But, others have led to medical emergencies requiring immediate surgical consultation.

Foreign Body Inside Ear:

Foreign bodies can be in the earlobe or in the ear canal. Generally, earrings get stuck in earlobe leading to an infection. Inside the ear canal; food, toys, buttons, insects, small batteries, or water may enter which may harm and damage the auditory canal and the structure if not treated on time. This may lead to temporary or permanent deafness too.

In order to remove the object, the doctors insert instruments into the ear. They use:

1. a magnet if the object is metallic;

2. use water to clean the ear canal;

3. use a suction machine to pull it out.

If an object gets into the ear, keep in mind the following instructions:

1. Don’t probe too much at the object as it may insert it deeper into the ear canal.

2. Don’t try to change the direction of the object.

3. Don’t put oil inside the ear.

4. Don’t use cotton swabs to pull out the object.

5. Get urgent medical help.

6. Don’t insert sharp objects into the ear to remove the foreign object as it might do irreparable damage to the system.

Since there is not much one can do if the object is stuck deep, seeking medical help urgently would allow to solve the problem without complicating it further.

Foreign Body Inside Nose:

A foreign object inside the nose should be removed by a medical professional. Sometimes, sedating becomes necessary too. If something gets into the nose, keep in mind the following.

1. Try breathing out hard. It might help in the removal of objects.

2. Try sneezing if possible as it might push out the object if it is not already into the windpipe.

3. Don’t breathe in deep as it might push the object deeper into the system.

4. Don’t insert sharp objects into the nose to remove the foreign object as it might do irreparable damage to the system.

5. Don’t put oil inside nose.

6. Seek medical assistance as soon as possible.

Foreign Body Inside Throat:

A foreign body inside the throat can be very painful and even life-threatening. All-pins, safety pins, etc. are the most common objects swallowed by people. If something like that happens, urgent medical assistance is of utmost importance.

1. Give five blows with hand on the back of the person.

2. Give five abdominal thrusts.

3. Don’t swallow or drink water as it may cause choking.

Take Away:

These foreign bodies inside the bodies can be life-threatening and this is why seeking medical help in such cases is the best option for a particular concern. Consulting with an ENT specialist will help a person opt for the best treatment and medication. These are sensitive parts of the body, which is why it is always advisable to take only prescribed medicines or drops (in case recommended).