Foreign Bodies

A foreign body is anything that doesn’t belong in the body—like a splinter in the skin, a bead in the nose, an insect in the ear, a fishhook in a finger, or a swallowed coin. Some foreign bodies are merely uncomfortable; others can be dangerous or time-sensitive (e.g., button batteries, magnets, sharp objects, airway/eye involvement). At iCare ER & Urgent Care in Frisco, Forney, and Fort Worth, TX, our ER-experienced providers evaluate and remove foreign bodies all in one location, using safe techniques, on-site imaging, and appropriate pain control to protect you or your child from complications.

Foreign Body Symptoms & Red Flags

Symptoms vary by location, but common clues include:

• Skin/soft tissue: puncture wound, visible object (splinter, glass, fishhook), pain, swelling, redness, drainage

• Ear: pain, fullness, ringing, decreased hearing, drainage, or insect buzzing sensation

• Nose: one-sided foul discharge, bleeding, congestion, difficulty breathing through the nostril

• Eye: pain, tearing, light sensitivity, “something in the eye,” blurred vision (see our Eye Injuries page)

• Throat/esophagus/stomach: drooling, pain with swallowing, chest discomfort, persistent vomiting

• Airway: coughing, choking, wheezing, noisy/stridorous breathing—emergency

Danger signs requiring immediate ER/911: suspected airway obstruction, button battery in nose/ear or swallowed, multiple magnets swallowed, sharp/large objects, severe pain, persistent vomiting, bloody secretions, or sudden vision changes.

Foreign Object Removal First Aid—What (Not) to Do

• Do NOT use cotton swabs, tweezers, or glue inside the ear, nose, or eye—you may push the object deeper or cause injury.

• Do NOT induce vomiting for swallowed objects.

• Do NOT attempt to remove an embedded fishhook without guidance—barbs tear tissue.

• Do rinse the eye with clean water/saline for loose dust (avoid rubbing).

• Do keep the area still; for a protruding object, stabilize rather than pull.

• Do bring the object/packaging (especially for batteries, magnets, chemicals) to your visit.

Common Foreign Bodies We Treat

• Skin/soft tissue: wood splinters, metal shards, glass, thorns, fishhooks

• Ear: beads, insects, cotton tip remnants, small toys

• Nose: beads, paper, food, small toys (children)

• Eye surface: dust/particulate (evaluation and care; penetrating/globe injuries are emergent)

• Throat/esophagus/stomach: coins, small toys, food bolus (initial evaluation, stabilization, and transfer coordination when endoscopy is required)

• Wounds after accidents/yardwork: gravel, metal, paint chips

How iCare Removes Foreign Bodies (Frisco, Forney & Fort Worth)

When you arrive, we focus on safety, comfort, and complete removal:

1. Rapid Triage & Assessment
   We review what happened, the object type/size, symptoms, and time since exposure. We check vital signs and screen for emergencies (airway compromise, button battery, multiple magnets).

2. Pain Control & Preparation
   Depending on location and depth, we use topical anesthetics, local nerve blocks, child-friendly positioning, and calming techniques. For certain cases, we may use procedural sedation when appropriate and safe.

3. On-Site Imaging (as indicated)
   Digital X-ray can identify many metals, coins, and some glass; ultrasound helps locate radiolucent materials (wood/thorns) in soft tissue; additional imaging is arranged if needed.

4. Removal Techniques

   • Skin/soft tissue: sterile exploration, irrigation, fine instruments, fishhook string-yank or advance-and-cut techniques, wound cleansing, and closure when appropriate.

   • Ear/nose: specialized tools (curettes, alligator forceps, suction, hooks) or gentle irrigation for select ear objects (never for batteries/organic materials that swell).

   • Eye surface: slit-lamp evaluation, fluorescein staining, careful removal of superficial particulates, irrigation, and protective care (penetrating injuries are stabilized and transferred emergently).

   • Swallowed objects/food impaction: airway/aspiration assessment, supportive care, and urgent GI or ENT coordination if endoscopy is required.

5. Infection Prevention & Wound Care
   We cleanse and dress wounds, update tetanus, prescribe antibiotics when indicated (e.g., bites, contaminated wounds, cartilage involvement), and provide pain management.

6. Clear After-Care & Follow-Up
   You’ll receive written instructions for wound care, activity restrictions, red-flag symptoms, and referrals (ENT, GI, ophthalmology, hand surgery) if needed. We also guide safe return to school, work, or sports.

If your case requires advanced procedures or hospital observation, we arrange seamless coordination with the appropriate specialist or hospital and communicate directly so your care continues without delay.

When to Seek Emergency Care for Foreign Bodies

• Airway compromise: choking, blue lips/skin, severe breathing difficulty—call 911

• Button battery in nose/ear or swallowed—emergency (tissue damage can occur within hours)

• Multiple magnets swallowed—emergency (risk of bowel perforation)

• Sharp/large objects, persistent chest/abdominal pain, or ongoing vomiting after ingestion

• Eye penetration, sudden vision loss, or chemical burns

• Uncontrolled bleeding, severe pain, fever, spreading redness, or pus

Prevention Tips

• Keep button batteries, magnets, beads, and small toys away from young children; follow age labels.

• Use protective eyewear and gloves for yardwork, grinding, and DIY projects.

• Store chemicals and hardware securely; supervise children during crafts.

• Cut food into small pieces; avoid nuts/hard candies for toddlers.

• Teach children not to put objects in their nose, ears, or mouth.

iCare Differentiators—Foreign Body Removal, All in One Location

• All in one location: Evaluation, imaging (X-ray/ultrasound), anesthesia/sedation when appropriate, and foreign body removal in a single visit.

• ER-experienced providers: Skilled with pediatric and adult removals, fishhook techniques, ear/nose tools, and complex wound management.

• On-site labs & imaging: Faster answers and safer decisions—no extra stops.

• Pediatric-friendly care: Age-appropriate dosing, positioning, and communication.

• Short waits + online check-in: Walk in or reserve your spot for quicker service.

• Seamless specialist coordination: Rapid ENT, GI, ophthalmology, or surgery referral/transfer when required.

• Convenient North Texas locations: Frisco, Forney, and Fort Worth.

Foreign object stuck—or worried something was swallowed? Visit iCare ER & Urgent Care in Frisco, Forney, or Fort Worth, TX for safe, efficient foreign body removal. Walk-ins welcome—or check in online for prompt, professional care.