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Foreign body
It means any external material that enters the body through; wound in the skin Via one of the natural
openings of the body inserted or swallowed.
Two types of foreign body embedded in our body
A. Loose
B. Embedded
Foreign body in eye
All eye injuries are serious because particles may perforate the eye ball and may cause infection and
internal damage.
Particles of dirt or loose eye lashes stick to the outer surface of the eyeball or become lodged under the
eye lid normally and cause considerable discomfort and inflammation.
Symptoms and signs
• Pain and itching in eye.
• Vision may be impaired.
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• Watering of affected eye.
• Redness in eye.
Treatment
• Ask to not to rub the eye.
• Ask to sit down in a chair, facing the light and lean back.
• Stand behind the casualty, hold the chin in one hand and use the index finger and thumb of other hand to
separate the affected lids.
• Ask the casualty to look left, right, up and down so that every part of the eye can be examined properly.
• If foreign body is visible, wash it with sterile water and a eye irrigator.
• If this is unsuccessful or water is not available and foreign body is not sticking to the eye, lift the foreign
body using the moistened swab or the damp corner of the clean cloth.
• If foreign body is under the upper lid, ask the casualty to look down. Grasp the eye lashes and pull the upper
lid downward and outward over the lower lid.
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• Now foreign body can be removed.
• If cannot be removed, cover the affected eye with a eye pad, secure it lightly and consult the doctor.
• Do not try to remove foreign body from eyeball or colored part of the eye.
Foreign body in the ear –
• Common in children.
• Insect may become logged in a person’s ear.
Symptoms and signs
• Pain in the ear.
• Vibration, if the insect is inside the ear.
• Hearing may be impaired on the affected side.
Treatment
• Reassure the casualty.
• If a foreign body is suspected, do not attempt to dislodge it, as probing may penetrate the ear drum.
• If there is insect, gently flood the ear with the tepid water to float it out.
• Shift the casualty to the hospital.
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Foreign body in throat –
• Smooth swallowed objects do not cause any Harm
(coins, buttons).
• A sharp object on the other hand can cause severe damage (pins, needles).
• Always shift him or her to hospital.
• Children often swallow small objects such as pins, coins, and buttons.
Treatment
• Reassure the patient and family members.
• Shift him or her to the hospital.
• Do not give anything by mouth.
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Foreign body in nose –
• Usually in small children.
• Small objects may lodge in the nose but a sharp object can easily damage the tissues of the nose.
Symptoms and sign
• Difficulty in breathing through nose.
• Nose appears swollen. Discharge from one or both sides of the nose.
Treatment
• Reassure the casualty.
• Shift him or her to hospital.
• Do not attempt to remove the foreign body.