At Indorewala ENT Hospital, Institute & Research Centre, we understand how alarming it can be when you or your child suddenly experiences discomfort, pain, or blockage in the ear, nose, or throat. Whether it happens because of curiosity in children, an accident while eating, or a workplace mishap, such incidents are surprisingly common.
Our experienced specialists ensure quick, safe, and painless management using advanced medical tools and years of expertise. With over four decades of excellence in ENT care, our hospital has successfully treated thousands of patients with precision, compassion, and cutting-edge technology — ensuring fast recovery and complete comfort.
What is a “Foreign Body” in ENT?
A foreign body is any object that does not belong inside the ear, nose, or throat. Because these are direct openings to the body, they are more prone to accidental entry of small items, especially in children.
Objects can vary widely — from everyday items like beads, seeds, and paper bits to dangerous materials such as button batteries, sharp metal pieces, or toy parts. These objects may cause pain, infection, bleeding, or even airway obstruction if not removed promptly.
Our team provides advanced and safe foreign body ENT treatment that ensures thorough diagnosis, careful removal, and long-term comfort for every patient. We specialize in foreign body removal in ear, nose, and throat cases across all age groups, using modern techniques for maximum safety and precision.
Common Foreign Bodies (Especially in Children)
Children are naturally curious, and small objects can easily find their way into the ear, nose, or mouth during play. Adults may also face similar situations, often due to workplace exposure or food-related accidents.
Ear
- Common Foreign Bodies: Beads, toy parts, cotton tips, insects
- Possible Risks: Damage to the eardrum, infection, or hearing loss
Nose
- Common Foreign Bodies: Buttons, seeds, paper, tissue, small toy pieces
- Possible Risks: Nasal blockage, foul-smelling discharge, infection, or inhalation into the airway
Throat
- Common Foreign Bodies: Coins, bones, toy parts, or button batteries
- Possible Risks: Choking, airway blockage, internal injury, or difficulty swallowing
In adults, such cases may arise due to habits like using cotton or earbuds to clean the ear or while eating fish or meat with small bones. Occupational hazards in carpentry, tailoring, or metalwork can also lead to accidental entry of objects into the ear or nose.
Recognising the Signs – When to Act Quickly
The symptoms of a foreign body depend on its location, but prompt attention from an ENT doctor for foreign object removal is vital to avoid complications.
Ear Symptoms:
- Sudden pain or discomfort
- Sensation of fullness or blockage
- Hearing loss or muffled sounds
- Foul-smelling or bloody discharge
- Buzzing or crawling sensation (especially if a live insect is inside)
Nasal Symptoms:
- Continuous discharge from one nostril
- Difficulty breathing on one side
- Nosebleeds or visible blockage
Throat Symptoms:
- Sudden coughing or choking
- Pain or difficulty swallowing
- Change in voice, wheezing, or gagging
- Signs of distress or bluish lips if breathing is affected
If any of these symptoms appear, do not attempt to remove the object at home — this can push it deeper or cause injury. Seek medical help immediately.
What NOT to Do at Home
Trying to remove a foreign body at home can make things worse.
- Avoid inserting tweezers, pins, or cotton swabs into the ear or nose.
- Do not rinse with water if the object is organic (like a seed or food particle) — it may swell.
If a button battery, sharp metal piece, or magnet is involved, reach the hospital immediately for safe removal.
The Expert ENT Approach – Safe and Gentle Removal
At Indorewala ENT Hospital, our procedures combine precision, safety, and patient comfort. Using high-resolution microscopes and endoscopes, we locate the object clearly and remove it with minimal discomfort.
Step 1 – Assessment and Visualisation:
The ENT specialist identifies the object’s exact location using advanced visualization tools.
Step 2 – Specialised Instruments:
Micro-forceps, suction tips, or small hooks are used to carefully extract the object without damaging surrounding tissues.
Step 3 – Sedation or Anaesthesia (if required):
For children or complex cases, removal is done under anesthesia to ensure safety and cooperation.
Step 4 – Post-Removal Care:
After removal, the area is examined for signs of injury or infection, and suitable medications or drops are prescribed to aid healing.
This method ensures complete foreign body removal in the ear, nose, and throat with patient comfort and total care.
Emergency Cases and Complications
Some cases qualify as medical emergencies and require immediate emergency ENT care. Button batteries, sharp objects, or deep obstructions can cause burns, tears, or airway blockage within a short time.
Quick medical attention in such cases can prevent serious complications and, in some situations, save lives. Our 24×7 emergency ENT team is equipped with advanced tools and years of experience to handle these situations swiftly and safely.
Prevention is Better Than Cure
While many cases occur unexpectedly, most can be prevented through simple safety practices.
For Parents:
- Keep small objects like beads, coins, magnets, and batteries out of children’s reach.
- Supervise children during playtime and meals.
- Choose toys appropriate for the child’s age and always check safety labels.
For Everyone:
- Avoid inserting cleaning tools or objects into the ears.
- Use protective gear in workplaces with dust or small particles.
- Stay alert while eating fish or meat with bones.
Awareness and quick response can significantly reduce the risk of such emergencies.
Need Immediate ENT Assistance?
If you suspect a foreign body in the ear, nose, or throat — especially in children or cases involving button batteries or breathing difficulties — visit Indorewala ENT Hospital immediately.
Our ENT doctors for foreign object removal offer accurate diagnosis, gentle extraction, and effective follow-up care using the latest ENT technology. With more than 40 years of trusted service, we continue to lead in precision-driven, compassionate ENT care — ensuring safety, relief, and complete recovery for every patient.
📞 Call Us: 0253 2580690