Objects in the nose

Objects pushed up the nose may cause blockages or infection.

Keep your casualty calm and reassure them.

  • Get the casualty to breathe through their mouth
  • Do not attempt to remove the object
  • Send the casualty to hospital

There are many small objects a child could potentially push up their nose. These items could potentially block their airways or cause other health problems, and trying to remove them without professional help might lead to further complications.

Here are some examples of small objects children often insert in their noses:

  1. Beads
  2. Small toys or parts of toys, such as Lego bricks
  3. Eraser tips from pencils
  4. Food items such as peas, beans, seeds, etc.
  5. Small stones or pebbles
  6. Small pieces of paper or tissue
  7. Button batteries (these are especially dangerous due to chemical burns they can cause)
  8. Small pieces of jewelry, like earrings or small pendants
  9. Bits of crayon

If you suspect a child has inserted an object in their nose, seek medical attention immediately. Do not attempt to remove it yourself, as improper removal can cause injury. Signs that a child may have inserted an object in their nose include difficulty breathing, discomfort, and potentially a foul smell if the object has been there for some time.