Nasal congestion, stuffiness, or obstruction to nasal breathing is one of the oldest and most common human complaints.

Physicians have established four main causes of nasal obstruction: infection, structural abnormalities, allergic, and non-allergic (vasomotor) rhinitis. Patients often have a combination of these factors which vary from person to person.

One of the most common causes of nasal obstruction in children is enlargement of the adenoids. These are a tonsil-like tissues located in the back of the nose, behind the palate. Children with this problem may experience noisy breathing at night and may snore. Children who are chronic mouth breathers may develop a sagging face and dental deformities. In this case, surgery to remove the adenoids and/or tonsils may be advisable. Learn more about our Pediatric ENT Services

Other causes in this category include nasal tumors and foreign bodies. Children are often known to insert small objects into their noses. If a foul-smelling discharge is observed draining from one nostril, a physician should be consulted.

My Child Stuck Something in Her Nose!

Children are naturally curious and often wonder how things work. Usually, they display this curiosity by asking questions, or by exploring the world around them.

One of the dangers that can occur is that your child may place foreign objects into their mouth, nose, or ears. While often harmless, this can create a choking hazard and put your child in danger of serious injuries or infections.

A foreign body in the nose means that an object is present in the nose when it’s not naturally supposed to be there. Children under the age of five often have this issue. But it’s not uncommon for older children to place foreign objects in their nostrils.

Common items that children put in their nose

1. Small toys
2. Pieces of eraser
3. Tissue
4. Clay (used for arts and crafts)
5. Food
6. Pebbles
7. Dirt
8. Paired disc magnets
9. Button batteries

Signs of a foreign body in the nose

You may suspect that your child has put something in their nose, but are unable to see it when you look up their nose. Foreign objects in the nose may cause other signs.

1. Nasal drainage
2. Breathing difficulty

Your child may make whistling noises when breathing through their nose. A stuck object could cause this noise.

If you feel you are in need of an ENT specialist, please contact Melnick, Moffitt, and Mesaros ENT Associates for a comprehensive consultation.