Foreign Body Removal for Kids

A bead in the nose, something in the ear, a splinter that won’t budge. Curious kids put things where they shouldn’t. Our pediatricians can help remove many small objects safely.

Objects in the Nose or Ear

Small toys, beads, food and other objects can end up in a child’s nose or ear. If you can’t easily get it out, stop trying. Pushing with tweezers or a cotton swab can drive it deeper or hurt the ear canal.

Have your child seen right away if:

You can’t get the object out
A pointed object, like a pencil or stick, went into the nose or ear
Your child can’t breathe through the nose at all
There’s bleeding, clear fluid from the ear, or signs of infection like fever or yellow discharge
Your child is under 1 year old

Splinters and Slivers

Tiny, painless splinters near the surface can often be left alone or removed at home with clean tweezers, pulled at the same angle they went in.

Bring your child in if:

You tried and can’t get it out
It’s causing severe pain
The skin around it shows spreading redness or your child has a fever
It’s a deep puncture and the last tetanus shot was more than 5 years ago

Go to the ER if the object is deep in the skin, like a needle or toothpick in the foot, or has a barb, like a fish hook.

Swallowed an Object?

Most small, smooth objects pass on their own in a few days. Call 911 or go to the ER right away if your child is choking, has trouble breathing, may have swallowed a button battery, coin battery or magnets, swallowed something sharp, is drooling or can’t swallow, or has pain in the throat, chest or stomach.

Button Batteries Are an Emergency

If your child may have swallowed a button or coin battery, go to the ER or call 911 immediately and tell staff it may be a battery. For a child over 12 months who can swallow, the American Academy of Pediatrics says you can give 2 teaspoons of honey on the way, but never delay emergency care to find it.

Why Families Choose KIDS Urgent Care

Every child is seen by a board-certified pediatrician in a calm space designed around children, with low-dose digital X-ray on site. We’re open 9 AM to 9 PM, 7 days a week. See all of our pediatric urgent care services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I try to get it out myself?

Only if it’s easy to reach, like a shallow splinter. For objects in the nose or ear, don’t dig with tweezers or cotton swabs. That can push the object deeper.

My child put something in their nose. How do I know?

Sometimes you see it, or your child tells you. Watch for trouble breathing through one side, bleeding, or a yellow discharge. Have your child checked if you suspect something is there.

What if my child swallowed a coin?

Most small, smooth objects pass on their own. Call your child’s doctor to be sure, especially for larger coins like quarters. If your child is drooling, vomiting, can’t swallow or has chest pain, go to the ER.

Is a swallowed button battery an emergency?

Yes. Go to the ER or call 911 right away. A button battery can cause serious burns inside the body within hours.

Do I need an appointment?

No. Walk in any day from 9 AM to 9 PM, or book an appointment online to hold your place.

Something Stuck? We Can Help

Walk in any day from 9 AM to 9 PM, or book an appointment online.