FOREIGN BODIES

Small foreign bodies (wood splinters) usually cause minor puncture wounds with little or no bleeding. Foreign bodies deeply embedded in a wound should not be removed by a 'First Aider'. You can cause further injury.

Foreign Bodies in the Eye

Sand particles, dust, small pieces of glass, coal and metal usually enter the eye as foreign bodies.

First Aid

The first aider should try to take out only those foreign bodies which are only on the surface area of the eyes.

• If the foreign body gets stuck on the middle portion of cornea, do not try to take it out, because it can lead to great harm.
• The eye then should be closed, padded and the person should be sent to the hospital.
• If the foreign body is stuck on the inner portion of the lower eyelid and is not seen on the round portion of the eye and if the feeling of irritation continues, slide the lower eyelid under the upper one and then open the eye. The foreign body sometimes comes out when the hair of the lower eyelid rubs against the under part of the upper eyelid.

Remember the following points

• Do not rub the eyes vigorously
• Wash hands before touching the eye
• Examine the eye carefully with soft hands
• Don't try to take out the foreign body with a toothpick or knife
• Don't try to take out the embedded foreign body under any condition. In such cases, the patient should be sent to the doctor

Foreign bodies in the Ear

Solid substances like peas, buttons can enter the ear. Some substances like peas and other seeds absorb moisture, swell up and obstruct the ear and it then becomes difficult to remove. Flies, mosquitoes or bed bugs can also enter the ear.

First Aid

• Never use a pin or piece of wire to take out foreign bodies from the ear because by using them the ear drum may rupture.
• Mosquitoes, bed bugs or flies die by putting olive oil or soda bicarb in luke warm water into the ear. When the sound from these insects stops, send the person to the hospital.

Foreign bodies in the Nose

Certain foreign bodies like pieces of betel nut, grams or peas and other seeds can enter the nose

• By putting olive oil or any other oil in the nose either the foreign body comes out or the irritation in the nose subsides.
• Don't sneeze forcefully in an effort to take out the foreign body. Don't close the unaffected nostril and try to sneeze out through the affected nostril because by doing so there is a danger of cessation of respiration.