Foreign Body Removal | When to Visit the ER

Foreign Body Removal refers to the retrieval of foreign objects that have been introduced into the body, sometimes by accident.

Foreign substances can be introduced into various parts of the body including ear, eye, nose, finger, leg, foot, stomach, skin, breathing tract (airway) and more. The technique used to remove the substance depends on what the substance is, and where it is located in the body.

Foreign bodies may be present if something has been ingested or inserted by the patient or by someone else. They can occur due to an accident.

In some cases, ingested objects can pass through the digestive tract naturally and without complications, but some patients may need assistance to remove the foreign body. Foreign bodies may also need to be removed by an emergency room physician if they are causing pain, or are in the eye or skin.

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Types of Foreign Bodies

Inhaled Foreign Bodies

Children are especially susceptible to inhaled foreign bodies because they explore their environment with their mouths.

This can block the airways and cause choking. Common inhaled foreign bodies include peanuts, popcorn, grapes, and hot dogs, as well as small toys that young children may put in their mouths.

Latex balloons are also dangerous when inhaled because they can completely block the airway, which makes them very difficult to remove without a medical doctor’s assistance. Some inhaled foreign bodies can be removed through the Heimlich maneuver, while others require the assistance of a medical professional.

Foreign Bodies in the Alimentary Tract

Objects that are swallowed or inserted through the rectum may enter the alimentary tract, which is the passage between the mouth and the anus.

Some items are small enough that the body will expel them naturally, but others are large enough that they may cause intestinal blockage. An x-ray or CT scan may be required to determine the exact location and movement of the foreign body, which will help doctors determine whether they need to surgically remove the object.

If the item is small but potentially harmful, such as a button, battery or a magnet, doctors may decide to remove the foreign body before it causes damage.

Foreign Bodies in the Skin

Foreign bodies may enter the skin through normal contact or by accident. Splinters are common foreign bodies, but they typically do not require medical assistance unless the wound has become infected. In that case, it may result in splint emergency.

Foreign bodies may be present in a wound after a car accident, explosion, or other injury, and they may require medical attention in order to prevent infection.

Airborne Particles

Particles in the air, such as pollen and dust, may enter the airway or eyes. These may trigger an allergic reaction, but they are not usually a medical emergency.

Foreign Bodies in the Eye

Eye foreign body removal may be performed when foreign bodies become embedded in the eye while performing certain tasks or during an accident. Shards of glass and metal can be particularly dangerous and painful, and they may need to be removed by a medical professional.

Foreign Bodies in the Ear, Anus, Vagina or Nose

Emergency room physicians can perform ear foreign body removal, anal foreign body removal, vaginal foreign body removal and nose foreign body removal. These can cause intense pain. If you need foreign bodies retrieved from these areas, your best option is to visit the nearest emergency room

When to Visit the Emergency Room for Foreign Body Removal

If you or your child are unable to breath normally or are experiencing pain or irritation from a foreign body, you may need to visit an emergency room and have an ER trained doctor take a look at your situation. Come and see us at SignatureCare Emergency Center if:

• The foreign body is restricting the airway
• The foreign body is stuck in the eye or is very sharp
• A child is choking, is turning blue, or cannot breathe

If you need 24-hour emergency care for a foreign body removal, visit one of our emergency room locations. We have board-certified physicians at all our emergency room locations 24/7 who can examine and remove any foreign objects from your body so that you can be comfortable once again.

Schedule an emergency room appointment with us.