Difficulty breathing after removing an object from the nose

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Difficulty breathing after removing an object from the nose

An object in the nose may cause some irritation and swelling of the mucous membranes inside the nose. This swelling can cause a stuffy nose, making it difficult to breathe through the nose.

Nasal stuffiness should improve within a day after the object is removed. If stuffiness persists, a visit to a health professional is needed. Home treatment will often relieve a tender, stuffy nose and make breathing easier.

• Drink extra fluids for 2 to 3 days to keep mucus thin.
• Breathe moist air from a humidifier, hot shower, or sink filled with hot water.
• Increase the humidity in your home, especially in the bedroom.
• Take an oral decongestant or use a decongestant nasal spray. Oral decongestants are not as effective as nasal sprays in children. Do not give decongestants to a child younger than 2 unless your child’s doctor has told you to. If your child’s doctor tells you to give a medicine, be sure to follow what he or she tells you to do. Do not use a decongestant nasal spray for longer than 3 days. Overuse of decongestant sprays may cause the mucous membranes to swell up more than before (rebound effect). Avoid products containing antihistamines, which dry the nasal tissue.
• Check the back of your throat for postnasal drip. If streaks of mucus appear, gargle with warm water to prevent a sore throat.
• Elevate your head at night by sleeping on an extra pillow. This will decrease nasal stuffiness.

It is rare for an object in the nose to cause severe problems with breathing. Severe breathing difficulty after an object is removed from the nose requires immediate treatment. Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

Credits

Last updated:	April 20, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Charles M. Myer, III, MD - Otolaryngology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer