3 Common Treatments for Foreign Objects in the Body

It's not uncommon to get a foreign body stuck in your skin. Sometimes, it's a small splinter from working with wood. Other common cases involve a larger piece of glass or metal. While it may not always seem like a big deal, allowing a foreign object to remain in your body can lead to infection or other complications. That's why knowing when to seek medical attention for foreign-body removal is essential.

Common Foreign Bodies

When people think of a foreign object in the skin, they often think of a splinter. While those are common, other types of foreign bodies can get stuck in the body. The eyes, nose, ears and throat are the usual places for foreign bodies to lodge themselves. This broadens the range of foreign bodies people need to be aware of. In addition to splinters, foreign bodies often include:

• Bones

• Buttons

• Dirt and debris

• Glass

• Insects

• Plant matter

• Small beads or toys

Regardless of the type of foreign body, you have to seek medical attention if you cannot remove it yourself.

When to Seek Medical Attention

It Blocks the Airway

If the foreign body is lodged in your nose or throat, it could block your airway and make breathing difficult. When this happens, it's essential to get medical help immediately.

It's in the Eye

The eye is a delicate organ that a small foreign body can easily damage. Remember, never try to remove a foreign body from your eye with a sharp object like a tweezer or needle because this could cause further damage.

It's Lodged Deep in the Skin

Just because you can't see the foreign body doesn't mean it isn't there. If you think a foreign object is stuck deep in your skin, seek medical attention immediately, or you risk infection.

3 Common Treatments for Foreign Objects in the Body

1. Endoscopic Foreign Body Removal

When someone swallows a foreign body, it often gets lodged in the throat or digestive tract. To remove it, doctors will use an endoscope. This is a long, thin tube with a light and camera. The endoscope is inserted through the mouth and down the throat. Once the foreign body is located, the doctor can push it out through the stomach or remove it with a special tool.

2. Incision and Removal

If the foreign body is lodged deep in the skin, doctors may need to make a small incision to remove it. This is typically done under local anesthesia. Once the area is numb, the doctor will make a small cut and remove the object. The incision is then closed with stitches or surgical tape.

3. Extraction Through Magnetic Pickup Tool

Magnetic extraction is a newer form of foreign body removal often used for small objects like beads or toys. Doctors will insert a long, thin tube with a magnet to remove the foreign body. The magnet is then used to pull it out through the tube.

Removing Foreign Bodies Safely at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) Emergency & Urgent Care

If you have a foreign object lodged anywhere in your body, you should have it removed immediately. The longer it stays in, the greater the risk for infection or other complications.

In the past, the decision on where to go was left to you. Now, let us be the experts to diagnose and treat you anytime you need us, all at one location.

At VMFH Emergency & Urgent Care, our combined emergency room and urgent care is fully equipped with on-site labs, X-ray, ultrasound and CT, all under one roof. Our primary goal is to provide our patients with exceptional service and the proper billing for the care they need.