What is an object in the nose?

Your child might have put an object up their nose.

The object (or foreign body) can become stuck or injure the inside of their nose.

Children with an intellectual impairment may also put objects up their nose.

It's important that objects in the nose are removed. This is because they could move and cause breathing problems.

If your child has a button battery or more than one magnet in their nose it is a medical emergency. You should go straight to the emergency department or call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.

What symptoms are related to an object in the nose?

The symptoms of an object in the nose will vary. It can depend on the object up the nose and how much of the nostril is being blocked.

Your child may have:

• bleeding from the nose
• a blocked nose
• face pain

Often there are no immediate symptoms. Your child may develop smelly discharge from one nostril.

What is the cause of an object in the nose?

Children may like to experiment by placing objects up their nose.

Children between 2 and 5 years of age are most likely to put an object in their nose.

Objects that often get stuck up children's noses are:

• balls
• batteries
• beads and buttons
• magnets
• paper
• small toys or parts of toys
• food — such as nuts, seeds, peas and lollies

How is the cause of an object in the nose diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask you about what's happened. They will look up your child's nose with a light.

When should I see my doctor?

If you think a child has an object in their nose, take them to see a doctor.

When to seek urgent care

Button batteries can kill the tissue inside of their nose.

See a doctor as soon as you can if you have:

• fever (a temperature over 38°C)
• face pain or swelling
• nosebleeds
• thick fluid coming from your nose

How is an object in the nose treated?

Your doctor may try to remove the object from your child's nose with a special instrument. You may need to hold your child on your lap. Your child may be given medicine to make them more comfortable.

Another way to remove an object from the nose uses positive pressure. In younger children this is done by the 'parent's kiss'. A doctor or nurse will help you to do this. They may give your child some medicine first, to make it easier.

Your doctor may refer you to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist.

Self-care at home

Older children and adults who have an object stuck in their nose can try and blow it out. You need to hold your finger over the other nostril then try to blow the object out.

Try not to sniff, this could cause you to breathe in the object. It could go into your lungs.

If that doesn't work, then see a doctor.

Medicines for an object in the nose

When the object is being removed, the doctor may give your child:

• a decongestant to stop their nose from running
• a numbing spray to prevent any pain

Your child may have some pain after the object is removed from their nose. Get advice from your pharmacist or doctor on which pain relief medicines to use.

What are the complications of an object in the nose?

An object in the nose might cause an infection. This can happen if the object has been in the nose for some time.

The signs of an infection are:

• pain in or around the nose or cheekbones
• redness or swelling around the nose
• feeling stuffy or blocked
• a runny nose and discharge that may be yellow or green
• nosebleeds

The mucus from your child's nose may be blood stained or smell unpleasant.

Complications after the object in your nose is removed

Once the object is removed, it's still possible to get complications, such as:

• a runny nose
• damage to the inside of the nose
• infection
• meningitis — an infection of the membranes around your brain
• nosebleed
• sinusitis — an infection in your sinuses

Take your child to see a doctor if they have:

• fever (a temperature over 38°C)
• face pain or swelling
• nosebleeds
• thick fluid from their nose

Can an object in the nose be prevented?

If possible, teach your child not to put anything in their nose.

Make sure young children cannot reach button batteries and other small objects.

Stop your child from playing with handbags and bags that belong to adults. These often contain small objects that aren't safe for children.

You can also choose toys that are appropriate for the age of your child. Try to:

• supervise your child when they're playing with a toy for the first time
• avoid toys with small parts
• encourage older children to keep their toys away from younger children
• check that toys meet the Australian safety standards

Resources and support

Read more about battery safety.

You can call the healthdirect helpline for advice on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.