Therapy – Removing the foreign body
To remove the foreign body from the ear, the ear canal can be rinsed with warmed water by the doctor. In addition, an attempt can be made to move the foreign body out of the ear by suction using an inserted small tube. Another possibility is the use of instruments which can release the foreign body from its wedged position and move it towards the exit of the ear canal.
Among other things, so-called earhooks are used here. In contrast to adults, in whom a foreign body usually ends up in the ear involuntarily, children can quickly get stuck in the ear when playing with small objects. As a result, all kinds of objects, provided they are the right size, can become lodged in the ear as foreign bodies.
In principle, the foreign body is removed either by rinsing the ear, suction, or by the doctor using suitable instruments. Since it is necessary for the removal that the child moves its head as little as possible for a short period of time, it may be necessary, in contrast to adults, to put the affected child under a short anaesthetic first. Otherwise the removal is often not tolerated.
It should also be remembered that the affected child may have inserted a foreign body not only in the ear but also in the mouth. If other symptoms develop immediately or after a short time, medical help must also be called for. In case of constipation, an intestinal obstruction by swallowing is to be considered, in case of shortness of breath, the inhalation of a foreign body. If shortness of breath occurs suddenly and is severe, the rescue service must be called immediately.
Prognosis
Foreign bodies can usually be removed from the ear canal using the methods mentioned above. Once this has been done, the problem is usually resolved.Pathogens can potentially penetrate and infect wounds through injuries caused by the object in the ear canal. The result can then be an inflammation of the auditory canal, which can cause pain, redness and swelling.
This must then be further treated by the doctor, but if treated in time, it usually heals without complications. If the eardrum or structures of the middle ear are affected, further treatment is required. Fortunately, as mentioned above, these injuries are rare when small objects are not forcibly penetrated.
