Is Something Stuck in Your Child?
A Mom’s Guide to an Object Lodged in a Child’s Nose, Ear, Eye, or Throat
As moms, we know that children have an uncanny ability to get themselves into all sorts of unexpected situations.
Therefore, it’s not uncommon for them to get a foreign object stuck in various body parts like the throat, nose, or ears. Whether it’s small toy parts, buttons, food items, or even tiny seeds, these objects can cause discomfort and potentially harm your little ones.
While these situations can be stressful, staying calm and taking the necessary steps to ensure your child’s safety is the most important thing.
In this mom’s guide, we’ll help answer the question, “Is Something Stuck in Your Child?” We’ll walk you through what to do when your little one has something stuck and needs to go to the emergency room.
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The natural reaction if something is stuck in your child is to get into panic mode. For this reason, stop, take a deep breath, and try to remain calm. Panicking will only make the situation more difficult for you and your child.
Take a moment to evaluate the severity of the situation and determine if immediate medical attention is necessary.
Signs Your Child Has a Foreign Object Stuck Somewhere
Suppose your child has a foreign object stuck somewhere in their body. In that case, they may not always be able to communicate it directly. However, there are signs to look out for that can indicate a possible issue.
Nose
When a foreign object goes up your child’s nose, they may exhibit the following signs:
- Complain of pain or itchiness in the affected nostril.
- Experience a smelly discharge coming from one nostril.
- You notice nosebleeds occurring.
- Develop bad breath that seems unusual.
Ear
When a foreign object lodges in the ear, your child may display the following signs:
- Complain of an earache (although not all stuck items cause earaches).
- Show redness in or around the ear.
- Have discharge coming from the ear.
- Experience reduced hearing or difficulty hearing properly.
Eye
While it’s rare for children to intentionally insert objects into their eyes, accidental poking or rubbing of foreign substances can occur. If something becomes trapped in the eye, your child may show the following signs:
- Experience pain or discomfort in the affected eye.
- Develop a weeping, red eye.
- Feel pain or sensitivity when looking at light.
- Blink excessively as a response to the discomfort.
Throat
- Difficulty breathing, labored breathing, or choking
- Persistent coughing accompanied by gagging or choking sounds
- Trouble swallowing or pain while swallowing
- Excessive drooling
- Refusing to eat or drink
- Hoarse voice or changes in speech
Remember, it’s crucial to seek medical advice if you notice any of these signs or suspect your child may have a foreign object stuck in their nose, ear, eye, or throat.
What to Do if There is Something Stuck in Your Child’s Nose, Ear, Eye, or Throat?
Nose: Dealing with Objects Stuck in the Nose
Everyday items that can get stuck in the nose include tiny beads, erasers, food, or even small toy parts.
- Gently ask them to breathe through their mouth, as this can help prevent the object from going further up the nasal passage.
- Do not try to remove the object yourself using tweezers or other tools, as this can cause injury. Instead, take your child to the emergency room, where medical professionals can safely remove the object.
Ears: Dealing with Objects Stuck in the Ears
Common items that can get stuck in the ears include small insects, buttons, toys, or pencil erasers.
- Please don’t attempt to remove items yourself. You could inadvertently push them deeper or cause damage to the delicate ear structures.
- Cover the affected ear with a clean cloth or sterile gauze to prevent your child from trying to remove the item and possibly causing further damage.
- Bring your child to the emergency room for proper examination and removal.
Eyes: Dealing with Objects Stuck in the Eyes
Even the smallest of particles stuck in the eye can be terribly painful and if not treated can permanently scratch and damage the eye.
- Make sure your hands are clean before touching the eye area.
- Instruct the child not to rub the eye, which could worsen the situation.
- If the object is visible, use lukewarm water to gently flush the eye. Tilt the head back slightly and pour water into the eye while someone helps hold the eyelids open.
- Never attempt to remove the object with tweezers or swabs.
- If needed, gently cover the eye with a clean cloth to prevent rubbing.
- If the condition does not improve, go to an emergency room or a healthcare professional quickly for proper treatment.
Throat: Dealing with Objects Stuck in the Throat
- If your child is choking or having difficulty breathing, call 911 right away.
- If they can still breathe, but there’s an object lodged in their throat, encourage them to cough forcefully to try and dislodge it.
- Please don’t attempt to remove the object with your fingers, as it may push it further down.
- As a precaution, we encourage you to seek immediate medical attention in any case of throat obstruction.
If a Foreign Object Gets Stuck in Your Child, Come to RapidCare ER
We know you are doing a fantastic job as a parent. Still, children are naturally curious, and this sometimes leads to accidents.
When your child has a foreign object stuck in their throat, nose, or ears, seeking prompt medical attention is crucial. If something does get stuck in your child’s nose, ear, eyes, or throat, it’s vital to know where to go 24/7 to get immediate care.
Rapid Care ER is here to support parents like you in such emergencies. Our exceptional emergency pediatric care ensures your child receives the best treatment in a calm and caring environment.