When to Seek Medical Care

When to call the doctor

• Most objects that become lodged in the nose should prompt a call to a doctor. If this object is well defined such as a bead or pebble and is successfully removed at home without difficulty, an immediate doctor's visit may not be necessary.

• If there is any concern that a portion of the object remains in the nose or nasal bleeding continues, a thorough exam should be performed by a qualified professional.

• Persistent pain, bleeding, or discharge from the nostril should raise your concern that the nasal passages have not been completely cleared. Many objects remain in the nose and cause few symptoms.

• A rash below one nostril or unexplained, continuing sinus pressure should also prompt a thorough evaluation.

• Depending on your particular medical community, your doctor may wish to see you in the office or refer you to a local emergency department or other specialist. Do not expect any health care professional to be able to assess the situation adequately over the phone. If there is any concern for the presence of a foreign body in the nose, the person should be physically examined by a qualified medical professional.

In the majority of cases, the situation of a foreign object stuck in the nose will not be life threatening. You will have time to call your regular doctor. The urgency of the situation primarily depends on the location of the object and the substance involved.

• If the foreign body has been inhaled into the person’s throat and the person is choking, emergency care is needed.

• If the object falls back into the throat and is swallowed, see a doctor for emergency care. A few of these objects can become lodged in the esophagus. If this occurs, the object will need to be either pushed down into the stomach or pulled out by a gastroenterologist.

• An object that contains chemicals, such as button batteries, or the presence of food material also represents a more urgent situation.

• Because the nasal passages are moist, objects such as beans will swell if they remain in a moist environment. This situation may result in increasing discomfort and more difficult removal of the object.

• Batteries can decompose enough in the body to allow the chemicals to leak out and cause a burn.