Removing a Foreign Object from a Child's Nose

Initial Assessment and Removal Techniques

• If a child is in severe respiratory distress due to a foreign object in their nose, the American Heart Association, as published in Circulation, recommends seeking immediate medical attention 1
• The British Medical Journal suggests that only visible objects that can be easily grasped should be removed, and never use blind finger sweeps as these can push the object further back 2
• According to the British Medical Journal, direct visualization and removal should only be attempted if the object is clearly visible and easily accessible, and the American Heart Association, as published in Circulation, advises against using blind finger sweeps 2, 1
• The American Heart Association, as published in Circulation, recommends seeking medical attention if the child develops difficulty breathing or signs of respiratory distress, or if bleeding from the nose occurs, as stated in Circulation 1, 4
• If removal techniques are unsuccessful after 1-2 gentle attempts, the American Heart Association, as published in Circulation, advises seeking medical attention 4