Information and Resources

Font Size

Foreign Body, Nose

Nose Foreign Body Overview

The nose is a surprisingly deep space that extends directly back into your face. A relatively small portion of the nasal cavity is visible by looking into the tip of the nose. In the back of the nose, the space turns downward and connects to the back of the mouth.

Only the imagination limits the objects and circumstances that result in things getting stuck inside the nose.

Common objects found in noses include food material, tissue paper, beads, toys, and rocks.

Most cases of foreign bodies in the nose and nasal cavity are not serious and occur in toddlers and children from 1-8 years. Because children develop the ability to pick up objects at about the age of 9 months, this problem is much less common before then.

An object that is simply stuck in the nose and not causing other symptoms can usually wait until morning or the following day for removal. The object does, however, have to be completely removed quickly and without discomfort and danger.

Nose Foreign Body Causes

The vast majority of foreign bodies are placed in the nose voluntarily for an endless variety of reasons. When questioning children about this possibility, it is important to approach them in a nonjudgmental manner. Otherwise, you run an increased risk that the child will deny having put something in their nose to avoid punishment. This could easily result in a delay of its discovery and increase the risk of complications.

Trauma is another common cause for items to get shoved inside the nose. When you fall or get struck in the face, it is important to consider the possibility that an object may be stuck in the nose and be completely out of view.

Nose Foreign Body Symptoms

Fortunately, most people can and will tell their doctor about an object's presence in their nose.

Typically, foreign items in the nose result in complaints of pain or difficulty breathing through that side of the nose.

Nasal bleeding is also a common symptom because the tissues of the nose can be easily scratched. Much of this blood can drip down the back of the throat and be swallowed. Because blood is quite nauseating, you may vomit, which can appear black or bloody, depending on how long the blood remains in the stomach.

The nasal space connects to the back of the mouth, so it is also possible for an object to be pushed back into the throat. You may swallow the object or choke on it. Complaints of choking, wheezing, difficulty breathing, or inability to talk should prompt an evaluation of the entire nose and throat in addition to the lungs so that foreign bodies will not be overlooked.

Someone who is motivated to place something in their nose might also think it is fun to put something in the other side of their nose as well as in 1 or both ears. A doctor will check all the likely places.

Infection is another common complaint. Lost or forgotten tissue paper is a common source of such a problem. This scenario is not uncommon in adults and children. People will typically complain of continuing nasal discharge from the 1 side of the nose. Many of these people have been treated with 1 or more antibiotics. Unfortunately, antibiotics alone will not cure this condition until the offending object is removed. In addition, your sinuses are all connected to the nasal passages. Because a foreign body in the nose will frequently get infected and block the drainage sites of the sinuses, sinusitis should also raise the question of a foreign object inside the nose.

Although you can usually sense the presence of something out of the ordinary in your nose, it may be confused with nasal congestion, so small objects or torn tissue paper can easily go undetected.

The skin under the nose may become raw from the continuous discharge or from frequent wiping. Impetigo is an infection of the skin that is commonly associated with this problem. Impetigo typically appears as a raw rash with faint yellow, crusty material over it. Impetigo just in this area must prompt a thorough evaluation of the nose to ensure that the nose is clear.