Foreign object in the nose and ear
A foreign object can enter the body through an orifice such as the nose or ear and can cause blockages and possibly infection.
The nose
If a foreign object is pushed up the nose, it should be treated with caution as it can restrict breathing and be further inhaled internally becoming a choking hazard.
- Keep your casualty calm and reassure them
- Get the casualty to breathe through their mouth
- Do not attempt to remove the object as you could push it further in
- Send the casualty to hospital
The ears
If a foreign object enters the ear and becomes lodged it can cause temporary deafness and damage to the ear canal and the eardrum.
- Keep the casualty calm
- Do not attempt to remove the object as you may push it further in
- Cover the ear with a sterile dressing taking care not to put any pressure on the object
- Send the casualty to hospital
If there is an insect in the ear:
- Support the casualty’s head with the affected ear facing upwards
- Gently flood the ear with tepid water which should cause the insect to float out
- If this is unsuccessful medical assistance should be sought
‘Button’ batteries are particularly dangerous if lodged in the ear or nose and should be treated as an emergency. They must be removed as soon as possible as they may leak chemicals that can burn or cause bleeding.
