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First Aid and Emergencies

Objects in the Nose

Home Treatment - When to Call a Health Professional

Children sometimes put small objects, like beads or popcorn, up their noses. If the child doesn't tell you about it, your first clue may be a foul-smelling, green or yellow discharge from just one nostril. The nose may also be tender and swollen.

Home Treatment

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  • Spray a nasal decongestant (See Saline Nose Drops) in the affected nostril to reduce the swelling.

  • Have the child pinch the other nostril closed and try to blow the object out.

  • If you can see the object, try to remove it with blunt-nosed tweezers. Hold the child's head still and use care not to push the object in farther. If the child resists, do not try tweezers. Minor bleeding from the nostril is not serious.

When to Call a Health Professional

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Call if you are unable to remove the object after several tries.

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