Patient education: Removing objects stuck up the nose (The Basics)

Does an object stuck up the nose cause symptoms? — People, most often children, sometimes put things in their nose. Most of the time, this does not cause any symptoms. If symptoms do happen, they can include:

●Trouble breathing through the nostril with the object in it

●Bleeding from the nose

●Pain in the nose

●Bad-smelling fluid draining out of the nose

Should I try to grab the object stuck up the nose? — No. Do not try to grab or pull out an object that is stuck up the nose. If you do, you might push the object deeper into the nose or push it to the back of the nose. From the back of the nose, the object can fall into and get stuck in the windpipe. Or the person might breathe it into their lungs (figure 1).

How can I help a person with an object stuck up their nose? — Have the person try to blow the object out of their nose. To do this:

●Hold the nostril without the object closed.

●Have the person blow air out of the nostril that has the object in it.

If the object comes out, the person's nose might bleed for a short time. To stop the bleeding, pinch the nostrils closed for 15 minutes. Keep them calm, and have them sit with their head leaning forward until the bleeding stops.

Should I call the doctor or nurse? — Yes. Call the doctor or nurse right away.

If the person can't blow the object out of their nose, the doctor or nurse will need to remove it. Depending on the object and other factors, the doctor or nurse might be able to remove the object in the office. If not, they will have you go to the emergency department or to an ear, nose, and throat ("ENT") doctor to have it removed. For example, disc (round) batteries can cause severe burns very quickly, and need to be removed right away.

Even if the person blew the object out of their nose, they still need to see a doctor or nurse. They will do an exam and check that no other objects are in the nose or ears. (Children sometimes put objects in their ears, too.)

How will the doctor or nurse remove the object? — The doctor or nurse can use different tools to look inside the nose and remove the object. Before they remove the object, they might put drops in the nose. This can numb the nose and reduce swelling.

Will I need any other treatment? — Maybe. Objects that are stuck in the nose for a long time can sometimes cause a sinus infection. The sinuses are hollow areas in the bones of the face (figure 2). A sinus infection might need treatment with antibiotics.

Disc (round) batteries can cause damage to the lining of the nose, similar to a burn. If a person put a battery in their nose, the ENT doctor might need to look inside to check for damage. They can do this using a special tool called a "nasopharyngoscope."

When should I call the doctor? — Call for advice if the person has:

●A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills

●Very bad ear, throat, or sinus pain

●Bleeding that lasts for more than 3 minutes after the object has been taken out

More on this topic

Patient education: Nosebleeds (The Basics)
Patient education: Removing objects stuck in the ear (The Basics)
Patient education: Sinusitis in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Sinusitis in children (The Basics)

Patient education: Nosebleeds (epistaxis) (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Acute sinusitis (sinus infection) (Beyond the Basics)