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Suggest Treatment For Painted Wooden Bead Stuck In Nose
Question: Hi my daughter put a bead in her nose yesterday at 3pm. We have been to LMH and children's hospital only to be sent home with the bead still in there. They say only an ENT has the tools to get it out and they won't call them in to take care of it. They are making us wait until next week? How can I get a ENT to come in on a Saturday? Is it safe to leave a painted wooden bead in her nose for days?
Brief Answer:
You can wait but you should not.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. Ideally, an ENT Specialist can easily remove this foreign body with an eustachian tube catheter after restraining a child with a head low position (and taking care to avoid the child swallowing or aspirating it through the mouth after removing it) or under anaesthesia (with a throat pack) using an endoscope.
2. Any attempt by an inexperienced staff member or doctor is likely to push the foreign body further.
3. Theoretically, a large painted wooden bead should cause no problem if it remains inside without being detected, however after detection, it should be removed as soon as possible. This is especially important if it is small as it may get aspirated into the airway. If moisture seeps in during a long wait, it may swell and get further impacted. A foreign body reaction or infection are more likely with the bead stuck inside the nose.
4. You should insist that a known foreign body should be removed as soon as possible.
5. Small smooth beads can also be spontaneously sneezed out by a child or swallowed harmlessly, however the risk of airway aspiration makes this a medical emergency.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
You can wait but you should not.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. Ideally, an ENT Specialist can easily remove this foreign body with an eustachian tube catheter after restraining a child with a head low position (and taking care to avoid the child swallowing or aspirating it through the mouth after removing it) or under anaesthesia (with a throat pack) using an endoscope.
2. Any attempt by an inexperienced staff member or doctor is likely to push the foreign body further.
3. Theoretically, a large painted wooden bead should cause no problem if it remains inside without being detected, however after detection, it should be removed as soon as possible. This is especially important if it is small as it may get aspirated into the airway. If moisture seeps in during a long wait, it may swell and get further impacted. A foreign body reaction or infection are more likely with the bead stuck inside the nose.
4. You should insist that a known foreign body should be removed as soon as possible.
5. Small smooth beads can also be spontaneously sneezed out by a child or swallowed harmlessly, however the risk of airway aspiration makes this a medical emergency.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Neel Kudchadkar
They are telling me the bead is too large to be aspirated and to wait until Monday to even make an appointment with the ENT. Are you advising I go back to emergency and insist the foreign body be removed ASAP due to risk of infection and aspiration and worsening impaction with time? Please advise.
Brief Answer:
Yes.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. Yes, you should go back and insist.
2. Nasal foreign bodies should not be taken lightly.
3. In the worst case scenario, it is comforting to know that the foreign body is large and unlikely to be aspirated easily. But remind them of other possible morbidity and the chance of aspiration through the mouth. No one can deny these possibilities.
4. If they agree, keep her nil by mouth for 4 to 6 hours to help anesthesia to be given.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Yes.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. Yes, you should go back and insist.
2. Nasal foreign bodies should not be taken lightly.
3. In the worst case scenario, it is comforting to know that the foreign body is large and unlikely to be aspirated easily. But remind them of other possible morbidity and the chance of aspiration through the mouth. No one can deny these possibilities.
4. If they agree, keep her nil by mouth for 4 to 6 hours to help anesthesia to be given.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Neel Kudchadkar
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