If a child has an object stuck in their nose or ear, keep them calm and arrange prompt medical assessment. Avoid putting in fingers, cotton buds or tweezers. If a button battery could be in either place, or paired magnets could be in the nose, go to Children’s Emergency immediately. Families for Life guide to foreign objects · KKH Children’s ENT guidance on objects in the ear · Children’s Health Queensland ear foreign body guidance · Children’s Health Queensland nasal foreign body guidance
Call 995 if the child cannot breathe normally, is choking severely or becomes unresponsive. Tell responders where the object was last seen and whether it could have been inhaled. KKH childhood emergency guidance · SCDF emergency medical services
- Leave removal to a clinician.
- Go to Children’s Emergency immediately for a suspected button battery or paired magnets in the nose.
- Call 995 for serious breathing difficulty or unresponsiveness.
On this page · What You May Notice · Keep the Area Alone While You Arrange Care · Give Staff a Simple Description · Frequently Asked Questions
What You May Notice
An object in one nostril can cause a blockage, bleeding or bad-smelling discharge from that side. An ear object can cause pain, discharge or reduced hearing. A child may also tell you directly what they put in. Share these details and the approximate time with the clinician. Families for Life guide to foreign objects · Children’s Health Queensland ear foreign body guidance · Children’s Health Queensland nasal foreign body guidance
Keep the Area Alone While You Arrange Care
Leave the ear dry and avoid adding water or drops unless a clinician advises it. Repeated attempts can push an object deeper or cause bleeding. If you suspect a battery, tell triage right away, even if the child has little pain. Batteries can damage nearby tissue quickly. KKH Children’s ENT guidance on objects in the ear · Children’s Health Queensland ear foreign body guidance · Children’s Health Queensland nasal foreign body guidance
Give Staff a Simple Description
Tell them which ear or nostril is affected, what object might be inside and whether anyone tried to remove it. Bring a photo or the relevant package if readily available. If the object disappeared after sudden coughing or choking, say so. The team may need to assess whether it moved into the airway. Children’s Health Queensland nasal foreign body guidance · KKH childhood emergency guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can see the object?
Arrange medical assessment and leave it for the clinician. Tools can push it further in. Families for Life guide to foreign objects · KKH Children’s ENT guidance on objects in the ear
What if there is a bad smell from one nostril for days?
Arrange assessment. An object can remain in one nostril and cause discharge, even when nobody saw the child put it there. Families for Life guide to foreign objects · Children’s Health Queensland nasal foreign body guidance