Medical Treatment

Treatment will largely depend on the location and identity of the object or objects involved. Do not be surprised if your doctor uses his or her own unique technique to remove an object. Years of experience often provide innovative techniques that are safe and effective.

• Commonly used techniques include applying gentle suction to the object, long tweezers, or instruments that have a loop or hook at the tip.

• If the object is metallic, a long instrument may be magnetized to assist in gently pulling the object from the nose.

• Another technique involves gently passing a soft rubber catheter past the object. These catheters have an inflatable balloon at the tip, which can then be inflated and pulled back, along with the foreign body.

• Any experienced professional can tell you that children typically struggle with these techniques. Struggling will decrease the likelihood of success and increase the likelihood of complications. Sedation may be considered an option to allow calm and comfortable removal of the object.