Foreign bodies in ear/nose

This condition is treated in the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) clinic.

Pre-referral work-up

History

All referrals should comply to the the Referral Standards and include:

• History of insertion of foreign body
• Description of findings

Interim/GP management

To refer a patient with this condition, please see the ENT clinic page for the full referral process and templates.

Do not attempt direct removal unless experienced and have adequate equipment as otherwise may push the foreign body further necessitating removal under general anaesthetic.

If live insect, drown with olive oil:

• Syringing may be attempted

For more information please see the HealthPathways Tasmania website.

Clinic appointments

🚩 Red location flags are clinical indicators of possible serious underlying conditions requiring further medical intervention. They may or may not indicate an emergency.

Emergency

🚩 Refer immediately to ED

🚩 Batteries must be referred immediately as they may corrode and damage mucosa within hours

If you, or someone else, are experiencing a serious and life-threatening injury or illness call triple zero (000) immediately or go to the nearest Emergency Department.

Learn more about when to access emergency care and non-emergency care options if the injury or illness is not serious or life-threatening.

Availability

North

Launceston General Hospital
Level 3 - Specialist Clinics

Phone: 1300 977 694
Fax: 03 6777 5227

North West

Unavailable.
See HealthPathways Tasmania for more information

South

Wellington Clinics
Phone: 03 6166 0000
Fax: 03 6234 9454

To contact the on-call ENT Registrar, phone the switchboard on 03 6166 8308.