Who should remove a lodged object from a child's nose?

• A. Physician must remove the object
• B. Parent can remove it at home
• C. Wait for it to disappear on its own
• D. Use a cotton swab to push it deeper

Answer: (A)

When a foreign object is lodged in a child’s nose, professional removal is safest. A physician has the training and the right tools to visualize the object, remove it without pushing it deeper, and check for any injury, bleeding, or infection. Attempting home removal can push the object further back, cause mucosal trauma, or lead to aspiration, and waiting to see if it disappears isn’t safe either. Using a cotton swab to push it deeper is clearly harmful. If the child shows distress or trouble breathing, seek urgent care immediately.