Foreign Bodies in the Ear, Nose, and Airway

Foreign bodies in the ear, nose, and airway are among the most common pediatric ENT emergencies. Children are naturally curious, and small objects can end up in places they shouldn’t, like up their nose, in their ear or in their mouth. As a parent, you do your best to keep your children safe. But life happens.

At MPENTA, Michigan’s most experienced pediatric ENT practice, we understand the danger of your child getting something lodged in their ear, nose, or airway. Aur specialists are trained to quickly and safely evaluate and treat foreign body concerns in children of all ages.

What are Foreign Bodies?

A foreign body is any object that enters a part of the body where it doesn’t belong. In children, foreign bodies most commonly end up in the ear canal, nasal passages, or airway, often because young children are naturally curious and prone to putting small objects in or near their face.

In some cases a child may not show obvious symptoms right away, making it easy for a foreign body to go unnoticed. A foreign body in the airway is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention, while foreign bodies in the ear or nose, though less urgent, still need to be evaluated and removed by a qualified physician to prevent infection or injury.

As you’ll learn in this article, foreign bodies can range from small objects like seeds or marbles, to food and toys. Acting fast is the best recourse.

Foreign Bodies in the Ear

Studies have found that foreign bodies in the ear are a common reason for child emergency services, resulting in 446,819 emergency department visits over ten years. When a foreign object is in the ear or ear lobe, they can become lodged in the ear wax, blocking sound from getting into the ear or causing hearing loss. The item can be placed too deep, potentially damaging ear structure, or cause an ear infection.

A foreign body in the ear canal is anything that a child can push in their ear. Some common items found in ear canals include:

  • Food
  • Insects
  • Marbles
  • Rocks
  • Toys
  • Buttons
  • Pieces of crayon
  • Small batteries

Children place objects in their ears for many reasons. Sometimes its out of boredom, curiosity, or simply by copying other children. In some cases, one child may insert an object into another child’s ear during play.

Insects can also fly or crawl into the ear canal on their own. Children with chronic outer ear infections are also more likely to place objects in their ears. If you suspect your child has put something in their ear, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly rather than attempting to remove the object at home, as this can cause further injury.

What are Common Symptoms of Foreign Bodies in the Ear?

Not all foreign bodies in the ear cause noticeable symptoms, especially if the object is small and not blocking the canal. However, organic materials like food or insects are more likely to cause discomfort.

Common signs to watch for include ear pain, redness, swelling, or unusual drainage from the ear. If the object is large enough to block the ear canal, your child may also experience temporary hearing loss or a sensation of fullness in the ear. If you notice any of these symptoms, have your child evaluated by a physician as soon as possible.

Best Treatment Options for Foreign Bodies in the Ear

Swift treatment is the best way to avoid hearing loss in babies. The best way to treat foreign bodies in the ear is by having a child’s physician, or pediatric specialist at MPENTA, remove the foreign body safely.

The following are some of the techniques that may be used by your child’s physician to remove the object from the ear canal:

  • Instruments may be inserted in the ear
  • Magnets are sometimes used if the object is metal
  • Cleaning the ear canal with water
  • A machine with suction to help pull the object out
  • Foreign object removal ear surgery

After removal of the object, your child’s physician will then re-examine the ear to determine if there has been any injury to the ear canal. A hearing test may be recommended if there are concerns related to the ear drum. Antibiotic drops for the ear may be prescribed to treat any possible infections.

Foreign Bodies in the Nose

Children frequently put objects into their noses out of curiosity or boredom, and they often choose soft materials like tissue, clay, erasers, or small toy parts. Occasionally a foreign body enters the nose accidentally and causes a nasal obstruction.

For example, when a child inhales while trying to smell something small. As with foreign bodies in the ear, this behavior is common in young children and is not always immediately obvious to parents.

What are the Symptoms of Foreign Bodies in the Nose?

The most telltale sign of a foreign body in the nose is drainage from one nostril only. Unlike a typical runny nose, this drainage is one-sided and often has an unpleasant odor. In some cases, the child may also experience a nose bleed, nasal congestion on the affected side, or discomfort when breathing through the nose.

Because these symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for a common cold, a foreign body in the nose may go undetected for some time, particularly if the child is too young or too embarrassed to tell a parent what happened.

Common Treatment Options for Foreign Bodies in the Nose

As with foreign bodies in the ear, nasal foreign bodies should always be removed by a physician rather than at home. Depending on the child’s age and cooperation, sedation may be necessary to safely complete the procedure. In some cases, removal may need to take place in a hospital setting. Your child’s doctor will use the most appropriate technique for the situation, which may include suction or specialized instruments to carefully extract the object.

After removal, the physician will evaluate the nasal passage for any irritation or signs of infection. Antibiotic nasal drops or ointment may be prescribed to support healing and prevent complications.

Foreign Bodies in the Airway

A foreign body in the airway (choking) constitutes a medical emergency and requires immediate attention. The foreign body can get stuck in many different places within the airway. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, death by choking is a leading cause of death and injury among children younger than 4 years of age.

As with other foreign body problems, children tend to put things into their mouths when they are bored or curious. The child may then inhale deeply and the object may become lodged in the “airway” tube (trachea) instead of the “eating” tube (esophagus). Food may be the cause of obstruction in children who do not have a full set of teeth to chew completely, or those children who simply do not chew their food well. Children also do not have complete coordination of the mouth and tongue which may also lead to problems. Children under the age of four years are in the greatest danger of choking on small objects, including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Seeds
  • Toy parts
  • Grapes
  • Hot dogs
  • Pebbles
  • Nuts
  • Buttons
  • Coins

Children need to be watched very closely to avoid a choking emergency.

What are the Symptoms of Foreign Bodies in a Child’s Airway?

Foreign body ingestion requires immediate medical attention. The following are the most common symptoms that may indicate a child is choking. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

  • Choking or gagging when the object is first inhaled
  • Coughing at first
  • Wheezing (a whistling sound, usually made when the child breathes out)

Although the initial symptoms listed above may subside, the foreign body may still be obstructing the airway. The following symptoms may indicate that the foreign body is still causing an airway obstruction:

  • Stridor (a high-pitched sound usually heard when the child breathes)
  • Cough that gets worse
  • Child is unable to speak
  • Pain in the throat area or chest
  • Hoarse voice
  • Blueness around the lips
  • Not breathing
  • The child may become unconscious

Most Effective Treatment for Foreign Bodies in a Child’s Airway

Treatment of the problem varies with the degree of airway blockage. If the object is completely blocking the airway, the child will be unable to breathe or talk and his or her lips will become blue.

This is a medical emergency and you should seek emergency medical care. Sometimes, surgery is necessary to remove the object. Children that are still talking and breathing but show other symptoms also need to be evaluated by a physician immediately.

Concerned About a Foreign Body in Your Child’s Ear, Nose, or Airway?

If you suspect your child has a foreign body in their ear, nose, or airway, you will want to act fast and immediately call 911 right away. If your child is not experiencing a medical emergency, then call our practice. Our experienced pediatric ENT specialists are trained to safely remove foreign objects in children of all ages.

With locations across Michigan including West Bloomfield, Clinton Township, Royal Oak, and Dearborn, expert care is close to home. Request an appointment today or ask us a question; we’re here to help.

 

Courtesy of Children’s Health Encyclopedia (Krames)

Online Medical Reviewer: Bass, Pat F. III, MD, MPH
Online Medical Reviewer: Finke, Amy, RN, BSN
Last Review Date: 5/24/2012
© 2000-2014 Krames StayWell, 780 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional’s instructions.