What is an object in the nose?

Children often like to experiment by placing objects up their nose. The object can become stuck or injure the inside of their nose. You may not realise it's there.

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

If the object contains chemicals (like a button battery) you should go to the nearest hospital emergency department. You should also go to the emergency department if the object is something that can swell up. This could block the child's breathing.

Children under 4 years of age are the ones most likely to put an object in their nose.

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

• beads
• sweets or popcorn
• small toys or parts of toys
• pieces of food

When should I see my doctor?

If your child has an object in their nose, don't panic. Try to see what the object is. Keep your child calm. Try to get them to breathe through their mouth.

If the object is a button battery or a bean, it is a medical emergency. You should go straight to the emergency department or call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.

Button batteries can burn the inside of their nose or go into their stomach. Dried beans and peas can swell and block breathing through their nose.

How is an object in the nose diagnosed?

Your doctor will look up the nose with a light. They may arrange a CT scan for a better look.

How is an object in the nose treated?

Adults who think there is 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.

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

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

If you are in pain, get advice from a pharmacy or doctor. They can tell you the pain relief medicines you can take.

Your doctor can remove the object with a special instrument. Children may need to be given medicine to make them sleepy to let a doctor do this.

If you develop symptoms of an infection:

• let fluids or discharge from the nose come out naturally
• don't attempt to clean inside your nose
• gently wipe away any fluids or discharge from the outside of your nose using soft tissues whenever you need to
• throw used tissues away
• wash and dry your hands regularly to stop the spread of infection

Can an object in the nose be prevented?

If possible, teach children not to put anything into their nose.

Make sure children under 3 years of age cannot reach batteries (especially small button batteries). Keep other small objects out of reach. This includes:

• needles and pins
• coins
• marbles
• jewellery
• pen tops
• polystyrene beads

You can also:

• choose toys that are appropriate for the age of your child
• be aware that toys may have small parts that can be removed
• encourage older children to keep their toys away from younger children
• supervise children under the age of 3 years when they have contact with small objects (including small items of food such as peas, beans or seeds)

What are the complications of an object in the nose?

If you think a child has put a button battery in their nose or is having trouble breathing it is a medical emergency. Go to the emergency department straight away, or call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.

An object in the nose might not be noticed until symptoms develop. The nose can become infected. The object might cause a nosebleed.

The signs of an infection are:

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

The mucus from the nose may also be blood stained or smell unpleasant.

Once the object is removed, it is still possible to get an infection. This could happen if:

• the object has been in the nose for some time and caused irritation
• part of the object is still there
• there is a separate object stuck in the nose that hasn't yet been found

Even if the object has come out, it's important to see a doctor if there's:

• bleeding
• discharge
• a rash below your nostrils
• pressure on your sinuses

Another complication of an object in the nose is that it can be accidentally breathed in. That could cause breathing difficulties, coughing or wheezing.

If an object becomes stuck in your air passages, go to the nearest emergency department. You should call triple zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance if:

• you become too breathless to talk
• you develop very rapid breathing, or need to put a lot of effort into breathing
• you feel faint or feel like you might pass out

Resources and support

You can call the healthdirect helpline 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.