A foreign object is something in the body that doesn’t belong there. It may be accidentally or intentionally swallowed or lodged in the ears, nose, eyes, skin, and airways.

Many types of foreign objects may be swallowed or inserted into the body.

Children are more likely to get foreign objects in their bodies from swallowing something accidentally, but it can also occur in adults.

In most cases, foreign objects pass through the digestive tract with minimal issues. However, if a foreign object becomes lodged or stuck in the airways, immediate medical attention is important to prevent complications.

Keep reading to learn more about common foreign objects in the body, how to remove them, and possible complications.

The most commonly swallowed objects in the United States are coins. In other places worldwide, food-related objects, such as fish bones, are more common.

Other objects that commonly become stuck in the ears or nose include:

  • crayon tips
  • small toys or toy parts
  • pencil erasers
  • balls
  • buttons
  • insects
  • pebbles
  • seeds
  • small batteries

Foreign objects can also enter the body through the skin, such as a splinter. These types of foreign objects are typically divided into three categories:

  • metal
  • organic, which includes wood and plant thorns
  • inorganic, which includes glass, plastic, and rubber objects
Foreign objects that require emergency medical treatment

Most foreign objects will pass through the digestive tract without causing serious complications. However, some items are considered high risk because they can cause severe, life threatening complications.

High risk foreign objects in the body may include:

  • sharp, pointed objects like razors and toothpicks
  • batteries
  • magnets
  • large items

It’s important to get immediate medical attention if you or a child swallows any high risk foreign objects.

Symptoms of a foreign object in the body will depend on the location and type of object.

Some common symptoms may include:

Foreign objects are most common in people ages 6 months to 6 years. The natural curiosity of young children may cause them to put small objects in their noses, ears, or mouths. Often, they’re playing or copying another child.

In some cases, an object may become lodged in the body accidentally. For instance, you may unintentionally inhale or swallow an object you’re holding in your mouth, such as a toothpick or a nail.

You may also get a foreign object in the skin through trauma, such as an accident.

Some risk factors for adults getting foreign objects in the body may include:

A foreign object may also be inserted and become lodged in the rectum due to a desire for sexual stimulation or to hide an object.

Object-swallowing disorders, like pica, may also cause foreign objects in the body. Pica is a behavioral disorder that causes a person to compulsively eat nonfood items that have no nutritional value.

A doctor will first perform a physical examination and speak with the individual or a family member to determine what object was inserted and where.

They may also order X-rays to better examine the foreign object in the body. If further testing is required, they may perform metal detector or MRI tests.

Treatment for an item in the body usually involves removing the object. The ease or difficulty of this process will depend on the type and location of the object.

Up to 9 out of 10 cases of swallowed foreign objects will pass through the digestive system without any treatment. If you have a wound, a doctor may remove the object directly through the cut with various tools.

However, if the object cannot pass through the digestive system or be removed directly, further medical attention may be needed. Treatment may include:

  • bronchoscopy to remove an object lodged in the airway
  • endoscopy or balloon catheter to remove foreign objects from the stomach or rectum
  • a suction machine to pull the object out of the nose, ear, or other body parts
  • magnets to remove metal objects

Surgery is sometimes necessary if other methods of removal don’t work. Additional treatment may involve treating any damage the object has caused.

Although most foreign objects will pass through the digestive tract without causing serious complications, it’s important to note that swallowing certain objects may be dangerous.

For instance, the authors of a 2023 review note that swallowing:

The most common complication of a foreign object in the body is esophageal obstruction. Other possible complications from foreign objects may include:

The outlook for a foreign object in the body depends on its location. In many cases, the object can be successfully removed without complications.

Since young children are at the highest risk of ingesting foreign objects, prevention involves keeping small objects out of reach.

A foreign object is something that doesn’t typically belong in the body. It can be swallowed or placed in the ears, nose, skin, or rectum.

In most cases, foreign objects that are swallowed will pass through the digestive system. However, items that get lodged in other body parts or the gastrointestinal tract may lead to complications.

Get immediate medical attention if you or a child swallows a high risk object or experiences symptoms like difficulty breathing, choking, or wheezing. They could provide help to safely remove the object.