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Foreign body in the nose

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Nose - objects in

First Aid:

1. Do not probe the nose with cotton swabs or other tools. Doing so may push the object further into the nose.
2. Have the victim breathe through the mouth. He or she should avoid breathing in sharply (which may force the object in further).
3. Once it is determined which nostril is affected, gently press the other nostril closed and have the victim blow gently through the affected nostril. Avoid blowing the nose too hard or repeatedly.
4. If this method fails, get medical help.

Do Not:

• DO NOT try to remove an object that is not visible and easy to grasp. This can push the object farther in or cause damage to tissue.
• DO NOT use tweezers or other instruments to remove an object lodged deeply in the nose.

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if:

• You cannot easily remove a foreign object from the victim's nose.
• You suspect an infection in the nose after removal of a foreign object from the victim's nose.

• Review Date: 1/30/2007
• Reviewed By: Ravindra Uppaluri, MD. Otolaryngologist, Private Practice, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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