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How can you care for yourself when you have an object in your nose?
- Breathe moist air from a humidifier, hot shower, or sink filled with hot water. Follow the directions for cleaning the humidifier.
- Take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve), as needed. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- If your doctor recommends it, take an oral decongestant or use a decongestant nasal spray to relieve stuffiness.
- Do not take two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
- If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
- Keep your head raised at night by sleeping on an extra pillow to decrease stuffiness.
- If you think you still have something in your nose, contact your doctor. Do not put cotton swabs or other tools up your nose, because you may push the object farther into the nose.
Object in the nose: When to call
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have signs of an infection in the nose, such as
- Increased yellow, green, or brown drainage.
- A fever.
- Redness or swelling of your nose.
- Bad-smelling discharge from the nose.
- You have a fever with a stiff neck or a severe headache.
- You have trouble breathing.
- Your nose begins to bleed.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You think you still have something in your nose.
- You do not get better as expected.
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