Ascent Ear Nose & Throat
Removal Of Foreign Body In the Nose
A foreign body in the nose is an object present in the nasal passage that is not naturally supposed to be there. Younger children are particularly prone to accidental foreign body insertion in the nose due to curiosity and lack of cognitive development. You should seek immediate medical attention if you're experiencing severe symptoms or if the foreign body in your nose impedes your daily functions.
Comprehensive Services
Providing the highest standard of ENT care in Singapore and the region.
Accredited Specialists
Senior ENT surgeons with internationally-recognised fellowship training.
Convenient Locations
3 Clinics conveniently located in Orchard, Thomson, and Joo Chiat.
Foreign Body In the Nose: What is it?
A foreign body in the nose is an object present in the nasal passage that is not naturally supposed to be there. Younger children are particularly prone to accidental foreign body insertion in the nose due to curiosity and lack of cognitive development.
Common foreign bodies in the nose may include:
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Small toys
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Tissue
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Eraser
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Beads
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Food
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Clay
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Button batteries
What To Expect Afterwards?
Once the foreign body is removed from the nose, your doctor will advise you on how to care for your nose during recovery. If there is an infection, you may be prescribed antibiotics or nasal sprays to treat the infection and other symptoms.
Why Do You Need to Remove A Foreign Object In the Nose?
Foreign objects in the nose can result in breathing difficulties and nose infections. Button batteries, such as those found in watches, are particularly concerning as they can cause severe injury to the nasal passage and tissues, with a high risk of developing a perforation (hole) in the nasal septum.
What Are the Signs of A Foreign Object in the Nose?
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Wheezing or whistling noises when breathing through the nose
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Nasal drainage or runny nose that may be clear, grey or even bloody
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Breathing difficulties
For Singaporeans & Singapore Permanent Residents
Insurance & Medisave Partners
Certain ENT procedures are claimable under Medisave, and the exact amount would depend on the procedure. For more information, please speak to our friendly clinic staff about using your insurance plan, Integrated Sheild Plan, or Medisave.
Please note: All three Ascent ENT clinics and all our doctors are recognized Prudential Panel providers, making it easier for Prudential policyholders to access specialist ENT care across our network. Please verify your specific plan coverage with Prudential before booking.
What Happens During the Removal Of A Foreign Object In the Nose?
Before removal, your doctor will likely examine the inside of your nose and nasal passages by inserting a thin, fibre-optic viewing instrument, also known as an endoscope. This allows them to have a clearer view of your nasal airways and locate the position of the foreign body.
In younger children, removal of the foreign body in the nose may be performed under general anaesthesia as it may be difficult for them to keep still throughout the procedure. On the other hand, local anaesthesia is generally used for older children and adults.
Some common removal methods include the use of forceps (grasping tools), water irrigation, and suction catheter (to suck out the foreign object).
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Our Clinic
Visit us at any of our 3 convenient locations in Singapore!
Our Main Clinic
Feel free to drop by our clinic and meet our specialist
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Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
3 Mount Elizabeth #09-03/04/05
Singapore 228510 -
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Other Practice Locations
Parkway East Medical Centre
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319 Joo Chiat Place #03-02 Singapore 427989
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Mount Alvernia Medical Centre D
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820 Thomson Road #08-63 Singapore 574623
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should I visit a doctor to remove foreign bodies in the nose?
You should seek immediate medical attention if you:
- Cannot manually remove the object or can only remove part of it
- Have breathing difficulties
- Are suffering from persistent nose bleeding
- Have a foul-smelling fluid draining out of your nose
Should I remove the foreign body myself?
If the object is visible or partially out of the nose, you should try to remove it with your fingers or tweezers. Avoid pushing it further into the nose.
For objects that are deeper in the nose, try to pinch the clear side of your nose closed and blow your nose hard several times. This may dislodge the object if it is small enough.
However, if the object is difficult to remove or if you are concerned about how to remove it, you should visit a doctor immediately to get professional help.
