Topic Overview
Young children are more likely than older
children or adults to put small objects—such as beads, dried beans, popcorn,
plastic toy pieces, foam rubber, or small batteries—up their noses. If the
child doesn't tell you about it, your first clue may be a bad-smelling green or
yellow discharge or blood (epistaxis) from one of the child's nostrils. The
child's nose may also be tender and swollen.
Some objects in the
nose cause more problems than others.
Disc batteries (also called button cell batteries) are
more dangerous than other objects and should be removed immediately. The moist
tissue in the nose can cause the battery to release strong chemicals (alkali)
quickly, often in less than 1 hour. This can cause
serious damage to the sensitive mucous membranes lining the nose. Seeds, such
as beans or popcorn, can swell from the moistness of the nasal tissue, making
removal harder.
An object in the nose may cause some
irritation and swelling of the mucous membranes inside the nose. This swelling
can cause a stuffy nose, making it hard to breathe through the
nose.
Infection can develop in the nose or in the sinuses following
the insertion of an object. The longer the object is in the nose, the more
likely it is that an infection will develop. The first sign of infection is
usually increased drainage from the nose. It is usually from only one nostril.
The drainage may be clear at first but turns yellow, green, or brown. The
drainage may have an unpleasant odor. As the infection progresses, symptoms of
or another
will develop.
An object
inserted in the nose may cause a
if the object irritates the tissues in the
nose. The nasal tissue can be damaged from pressure against the object. This is
called pressure necrosis.
Older children and adults can also inhale
objects while working closely with small objects. Nose rings and metal studs
from nose piercings can also cause nose problems. A piece of glass may enter
the nose during an automobile accident. You may be unaware of this because of
other injuries that occur during the accident.
Check your symptoms to decide if and when you should see a doctor.