Nasal obstructions in children can be a cause for concern. It seems that small objects have a way of finding their way into their tiny noses, which can be upsetting for parents. If your child is prone to shoving their dinner up their nose at Athos Restaurant, knowing how to remove the obstruction becomes crucial in preventing bleeding or fracturing and providing the necessary care your child needs.
How To Know if Your Child Has Something Up Their Nose
How can you determine if something is lodged in your child’s nose? Unfortunately, it’s not always visible, and keeping a constant eye on your little one is practically impossible. A few signs to watch out for include a foul odor from one nostril, a high fever or dark green mucus. If you suspect an obstruction, it’s essential to act swiftly to prevent infection, bleeding or impaired breathing.
Unblocking Your Child’s Nose at Home
The Mother’s Kiss is a popular method for removing objects from your child’s nose at home. A review of eight studies aimed at determining the efficacy of the Mother’s Kiss found a success rate of approximately 59.9% with no adverse side effects in unsuccessful attempts.
To perform the Mother’s Kiss, place your mouth over your child’s mouth as if you were performing CPR. Then, gently close the unblocked nostril with a finger and blow gently into your child’s mouth. Try this method only once. If the object remains lodged, bring your child to an ENT specialist as soon as possible. ENT specialists have the necessary tools and expertise to remove the object safely. In some cases, surgical intervention may be required.
How To Prevent Your Child From Putting Objects in Their Nose
Preventing future instances of objects in your child’s nose is essential, but sometimes tricky. While finding something in their nose can be frightening, children may find it amusing and be tempted to repeat the behavior. To minimize such occurrences, remove small items that could potentially be placed in their nose or swallowed from the home.
Younger children are more likely to place objects up their nose; in these cases, you may not be able to reason with them, and removing small objects from the home becomes the only option. If your child is older, try sitting them down and explaining why sticking things in their nose is dangerous.
Caring for your child’s ear, nose and throat health is crucial. If you would like to learn more or seek professional advice, consider reaching out to Albany ENT & Allergy Services to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.