Foreign Body Removal (E.G. Ears, Nose, Eyes, Foot)

What is a foreign body?

Answer: A foreign body is something that enters the body but doesn't belong there. It can be accidentally or intentionally inserted, inhaled, or swallowed, often resulting from an injury. This is particularly common in children, who frequently place objects in their mouths, ears, and noses.

What are the symptoms of a foreign body?

Common symptoms of a foreign object in the body include:

• Pain: Discomfort ranging from mild to severe.
• Nasal/Ear drainage: When objects are inserted into the nose or ears, drainage may occur.
• Choking: An object in the throat can lead to choking, coughing, wheezing, difficulty swallowing, or a sensation of a lump in the chest or throat.
• Breathing problems: An airway obstruction can cause difficulty breathing.
• Bowel obstruction: An ingested foreign object may obstruct the intestines.

If someone is choking or having difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention or call Wylie Walk In Urgent Care at 469-992-9572. You can also use the Save My Spot service for a more convenient visit by clicking here.

What causes a foreign body?

Foreign objects are often found in the ears, nose, airway, and stomach. Both children and adults can accidentally inhale objects, especially food or gum. Children, in their curiosity, may also place objects in their ears or nose, including items like crayon tips, small toys, food, and more. Swallowing objects like coins is common among children. If a foreign object in the gastrointestinal tract is benign, like a coin, it may pass in the stool.

Immediate medical attention is necessary if a battery or magnet is ingested, or if an object is trapped in an airway.

How is a foreign body prevented?

Preventing foreign body incidents, especially in young children, involves keeping small objects out of their reach. Approximately 80 percent of foreign body ingestions pass through the gastrointestinal tract without causing symptoms or complications. Items that are small and rounded are less likely to cause complications. Urgent medical intervention is required if the foreign body is large, sharp, or toxic.

How is a foreign body treated?

Answer: Seeking medical attention for foreign body removal is crucial. The treatment depends on the type of foreign body and its location. It's essential to seek immediate medical care in cases such as:

• An object is trapped in an airway.
• A battery or magnet has been ingested.
• You are unable to remove the object entirely.
• The object poses an immediate danger.
• The person continues to experience pain.
• You are uncomfortable removing the object.
• There is bleeding from the nose that is hard to control.
• There is unpleasant odor drainage from the nose.
• There is discharge from the ear canal.
• There is reduced hearing or a sensation of something lodged in the ear.
• The injury involves an eye or is close to an eye.
• The wound is deep or dirty (cuts deeper than ¼ of an inch beneath the skin's surface).

For small foreign bodies, they can often be removed with caution:

• Splinters can be removed with clean tweezers after washing hands and the affected area.
• Small debris in the eyes can be removed by blinking or rinsing with a saline solution.
• Small objects in the ears can be removed by tilting the head to allow the object to drop.

For more complex cases, visit Wylie Walk In Urgent Care or call them at 469-992-9572 for further assistance.

Disclaimer: The content presented on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment. For up-to-date information about our services or questions: feel free to reach out to us at 469-992-9572 or schedule your appointment by clicking Save My Spot.