What to do if your curious kid decides to play ‘hide and seek’ with their nose? From button batteries to mysterious objects, here’s how to safely dislodge a foreign object!
In the event of a child inserting a foreign object into their nasal cavity, it is crucial for parents to remain composed and employ a simple yet effective technique to dislodge the object.
Tiny Hearts Education, a children’s first aid group, has shared valuable insights on handling such situations, emphasizing the immediate danger posed by button batteries or lithium coin batteries when lodged in a child’s nose.
Button batteries, in particular, are deemed highly hazardous, necessitating swift action, including contacting the poison hotline. These batteries can cause severe damage to the surrounding tissue, demanding urgent removal.
Former paramedic Nikki Jurcutz, co-founder of Tiny Hearts Education, has personally performed a successful “rescue” operation involving a child with a raisin stuck in their nose. She stresses that knowing this quick procedure can potentially spare parents a trip to the emergency room.
The technique itself involves gently blowing air into the child’s mouth while simultaneously closing the nostril containing the lodged object. This controlled airflow moves through the nasal passages, safely dislodging the foreign item.
The procedure to dislodge a foreign object with the help of the “Big Kiss,” consisting of four steps:
- Maintain a calm demeanor and reassure the child.
- Have the child sit upright with their mouth closed.
- Form a seal by gently placing your mouth over their open mouth.
- Blow a short, sharp puff of air into their mouth while using your finger to close the opposite nostril.
Tiny Hearts Education advises using gentle, controlled breaths during this process. If the object does not dislodge after a few attempts, it is crucial to seek medical assistance. Additionally, if the child exhibits signs of distress or if the lodged object is sharp or large, consulting a doctor is recommended.
Despite potential risks, such as trauma to the eardrum or lower airways, the “Big Kiss” technique is deemed useful and safe. The group points out that there have been no reported cases of tympanic membrane rupture or pneumothorax resulting from this method.
One intriguing anecdote illustrating the potential benefits of the “Big Kiss” involves a Georgia woman who made a startling discovery. What she initially believed to be a giant booger she had blown out of her nose turned out to be a bead that had been lodged inside her nasal cavity for an astonishing 20 years.
In summary, parents can play a critical role in ensuring the safety of their children by familiarizing themselves with the “Big Kiss” technique for dislodging objects stuck in a child’s nose.
Swift and calm action can prevent potentially serious complications and the need for an emergency room visit.
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