Children’s explorative nature makes it normal to come into contact with foreign bodies in the mouth, nose, ears, and eyes. KidsStreet Urgent Care is here to tell you about common types of foreign object removal in kids.
What Is Foreign Object Removal In Kids?
Foreign object removal in kids is the act of removing any foreign object that has entered the body and is not supposed to be there. Many kinds of removal methods depend on the type of foreign object that has been inserted or ingested. Below are some of the most common types of foreign object removal in kids.
Foreign Body Removal In The Ears And Nose
For kids, one of the most common places for a foreign object to become lodged in is the ear canal. Foreign bodies in the ear may cause difficulty hearing and general discomfort. To remove a small object from the ears, medical professionals will:
- Complete an exam of the inner ear to ensure the object is not penetrating the tympanic membrane.
- Remove the foreign body gently with tweezers or light suction.
If a small object has become lodged in the ear canal and has gone unnoticed for an extended amount of time, surgery may have to be performed to ensure the safe removal of the foreign body.
An additional commonplace for foreign bodies to get lodged is inside the nose. Removal of small objects in the nose includes:
- Light suction.
- Tweezers.
- Forceps.
Once the foreign body has been removed from the nose, there may be some slight bleeding. This is normal and usually does not pose any further complications.
Foreign Body Removal From The Skin
Splinters and glass are examples of common foreign bodies to the skin. These objects are generally not an emergency unless they are unusually large and cause severe pain.
These foreign objects are generally removed with tweezers and can be done at home or in a pediatric urgent care clinic.
Foreign Body Removal From The Airway
Many small objects can become stuck in the airway and make it difficult for your child to breathe. If your child is having difficulty breathing, call 911.
For objects that become caught in the upper throat and do not restrict the airway, a medical professional can remove those by:
- Using a numbing spray on the throat.
- Holding down the tongue.
- Grabbing the object with forceps.
Foreign Body Removal From The GI Tract
Children explore with their mouths, making it easy for them to swallow a small object. Depending on the size and type of item, they usually pass on their own.
If you believe your child has swallowed a foreign body, take them to a medical professional’s office to get examined to ensure they are not at risk for complications.
If your child has swallowed a battery of any kind, take them to the emergency room immediately. Batteries can leak harmful substances.
Turn To KidsStreet Urgent Care
KidsStreet Urgent Care offers foreign object removal in our children’s urgent care services. We want to get your child healing and feeling better, fast!
With our online registration, you can join the queue and wait from your home or car. We will send you a text when we’re ready for you to check in at the front desk.
Walk-ins are always welcome, but please be aware that registering online reduces in-clinic wait times. Walk-ins are added to the same queue as those who register online.