Foreign bodies refer to the objects that find their way into a person’s body through smell, injury, among other means. When these objects become lodged into a person’s body, it is necessary to remove them to avoid any complications.
Common Causes of Foreign Objects in The Body
Human beings, adults and children alike are curious beings. As a result, one may find him/herself exploring things on their bodies. For instance, one can shove objects such as buttons, coins, crayons, pens, insects among others in places where they do not belong. Children are the most common victims of sticking stuff on their noses, ears, and mouths. In hospitals, these objects are referred to as foreign bodies.
Foreign items can find their way into a person’s body through various ways including, ingestions, insertion, smelling, injury, and accidents. For instance, airborne particles such as dust may enter one’s nose and eyes thus triggering allergic reactions. While performing certain tasks shreds of dangerous particles can enter one’s eyes thus requiring removal by a medical professional.
While there are foreign bodies that don’t result in serious harm to an individual, some can lead to severe complications if they remain unaddressed. Nails, coins, toothpicks, splinters, toys, batteries are but some of the most common types of foreign bodies.
Symptoms of Foreign Objects in The Body
The type of foreign body and its location in a person’s body determines the symptoms experienced by a person. However, some of the most common symptoms include:
- Mild to Severe pain and discomfort
- Nasal drainage where the object was inserted into the nose
- Coughing, wheezing, and choking where the object got stuck in the airway
- Difficulties in breathing
Diagnosis and Treatment of Foreign Objects in The Body
Foreign bodies can be found on one’s skin, ears, nose, mouth, stomach among other body parts. The removal of these foreign objects often requires a symptom evaluation or body examination to identify the types of foreign body and where it is located. Removing foreign objects from the body can be a simple or complicated process depending on the type of object and how deeply lodged it is. Doctors do not necessarily need to conduct surgery to remove a foreign body because they can pull or dig them out usingl suction machines, tweezers, or magnets.
Foreign Body Removal Through Surgery
Some foreign bodies can be located in sensitive organs of the body, thus requiring urgent medical care. For instance, when one swallows a foreign body that gets lodged on the windpipe, it may result in difficulties in breathing, a dangerous situation that can be fatal. Therefore, to avoid further damage to the respiratory system, surgery may prove to be the most ideal treatment option.
Similarly, a person can swallow sharp objects like toothpicks, which may harshly damage the linings of the gastrointestinal tract, hence requiring surgery. For a successful foreign body removal surgery, one needs to work with professional medical officers because some surgeries require the application of anesthesia.
When to Visit an Emergency Room for Foreign Body Removal
It is often advisable to visit an Emergency Center if a person is experiencing symptoms such as:
- Airway restriction by a foreign body
- Severe chocking
- Difficulties in breathing
- Body-color change
- Irritation
- Pain
If you are experiencing these among other symptoms, it is recommended that you visit an emergency room and have a trained medic look at your situation. To find certified physicians within your location, you can look up for “24-hour emergency room near me” or simply search about the available “Er near me” and get the foreign object removed from your system.
Importance of frequent Medical Check-ups
The biggest wealth is having good health as it generates happiness, pleasure, and the energy to amass material wealth. Health also influences a person’s ability to enjoy the possessions earned. However, injuries and accidents can lead to discomfort and interfere with one’s health. Therefore, it is important to frequently schedule appointments with your doctor and has them run tests that may detect and treat any conditions that may interfere with your health.
In case of any life-threatening emergencies, consider visiting the nearest emergency room within your locality that has certified practitioners for immediate treatment.