foreign objects

Children are usually the victim of the foreign objects since they put almost anything inside their mouth, nose, ears and even in their eyes. Parents would not eventually notice it until the child complains of pain on the affected area. Below are the initial steps to consider when a foreign object was seen inside your child's body.

OBJECTS IN THE EAR

Small objects and insects are the common objects that get stucked in the ear. Before trying to remove them inside the ear, it is important that you know the anatomic picture of the ear.

the ear canal and the eardrum as seen in the picture above are sensitive part of the ear, hence, enough care must be taken not to damage this area.

HOME TREATMENT

• DON'T try to kill an insect in the ear. Instead, pull the ear up and back and with a gentle shake,  foreign objects or insects may roll or slide out of the ear. 
•  If the object is soft and can be easily seen, try CAREFULLY to remove it with tweezers.
• DON'T instill any mineral, olive oil or baby oil inside the ear for the object trapped inside, specially if it is a bea, may increase in size.
• If the object or the insects are too deep and you can't see it, bring the child to the nearest hospital.

OBJECTS IN THE EYE

Dirt and small objects in the eye will often wash out with your tears. However, if the objects is not removed, it may damage the cornea or the eye covering of the eye. see the picture below.

HOME TREATMENT

• DON'T rub theeye for it might scratch the cornea. Parents may have to restrain their chilldren's hand to avoid accidental eye rubbing.
• DON'T try to remove the object with using pointed objects nor your bare hand.
• If the objects is at the side of the eye or on the lower lid, moisten a ottown swab or the tip of a twisted piece of tissue and touch the end of the speck, the object should cling to the swab or tissue.
• Genty wash the eye with cool water. An eyedrop helps
• Keep your eye gently closed. Excessive blinking could cause more irritation and discomfort.
• If the object is on the pupil or is embedded  in the eye, if pain persisit and vision started to blur, bring the patient to the nearest hospital.

OBJECTS IN THE NOSE

Children also put objects inside their nose. This might get unnoticed not until a foul smelling yellowish or greenish discharge comes out from nostril. The nose may also be tender and swollen.

HOME TREATMENT

•  Spray a nasal decongestant in the affected nostril to reduce the swelling.
• Have the child pinch the other nostril closed and try to blow  the object out.
• If you can see the object, try to remove it with blunt-nosed tweezers. Hold the child's head sll and use care not to push the object further.
• If you are unable to remove the object after several tries and the patient complains of difficulty of breathing, bring the patient to the hospital.