By Express Urgent Care – Diamond Bar, CA
When Something Gets Stuck: Acting Fast Matters
Whether it’s a splinter, a piece of glass, or a small object accidentally lodged in the ear or nose, foreign bodies can cause pain, infection, or serious complications if not treated properly. At Express Urgent Care, our experienced medical team provides safe and efficient foreign body removal for both adults and children — no appointment needed.
Foreign body incidents can happen anywhere — from home and playgrounds to workplaces. While some minor cases can be handled at home, others require professional medical attention to prevent injury or infection.
Common Types of Foreign Bodies
Foreign objects can enter the body through various routes, including skin, eyes, ears, nose, and even the throat. Common examples include:
- Splinters or glass shards in the skin
- Metal or wood fragments from tools or construction
- Insects or beads lodged in the ear or nose
- Food particles or bones stuck in the throat
- Contact lenses or debris trapped in the eye
At Express Urgent Care, our clinicians use sterile techniques and specialized tools to remove objects safely while minimizing discomfort and the risk of further injury.
What You Should Not Do
It’s natural to want to remove a foreign object yourself, but certain attempts can make things worse. Here’s what to avoid:
- Don’t use tweezers or sharp tools unless the object is easily visible and superficial.
- Don’t insert cotton swabs or similar objects into the ear or nose — it can push the item deeper.
- Don’t induce vomiting if something is swallowed and stuck in the throat — this may cause choking.
- Avoid home remedies like oils or liquids unless directed by a healthcare provider.
Instead, stay calm and seek urgent care promptly — particularly if there’s pain, bleeding, or impaired breathing or vision.
When to Visit Express Urgent Care
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Pain, swelling, or redness around the affected area
- Persistent discomfort after an attempted removal
- Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or seeing
- Signs of infection (pus, fever, or warmth)
- A foreign body that cannot be seen or reached safely
At Express Urgent Care, our skilled team provides same-day evaluation and treatment in a safe, controlled setting. We can also offer tetanus shots, antibiotics, or minor wound care if needed.
What to Expect During Treatment
- Assessment: The clinician examines the area using specialized lighting or imaging tools if necessary.
- Local Anesthesia: For deeper or painful cases, a numbing agent may be applied.
- Removal Procedure: Using sterile instruments like forceps, irrigation, or suction, the foreign body is carefully extracted.
- Post-Removal Care: The area may be cleaned, dressed, or medicated to prevent infection.
- Follow-Up Instructions: You’ll receive aftercare guidance to ensure proper healing.
Most procedures take just a few minutes, and you can resume normal activities soon after.
Preventing Future Incidents
Prevention is key, especially for families with children. Tips include:
- Keep small objects like beads and batteries out of reach.
- Wear protective eyewear and gloves during DIY or yard work.
- Inspect shoes and clothes after outdoor activities.
- Teach children not to insert items into their ears, noses, or mouths.
Q&A: Foreign Body Removal at Express Urgent Care
Q: Can I remove a splinter or small object at home?
A: If it’s shallow, visible, and you can grasp it gently with clean tweezers, you can try. However, if it’s deep, painful, or near sensitive areas like the eye, seek professional care.
Q: What should I do if my child puts something in their nose or ear?
A: Avoid probing with fingers or tools. Keep your child calm and visit Express Urgent Care. Our providers are experienced in safely removing objects from children’s ears and noses.
Q: How do you remove something stuck in the eye?
A: We’ll use sterile saline or specialized tools to flush or remove debris. Never rub your eye — this can cause scratches or corneal damage.
Q: Do I need antibiotics after a foreign body removal?
A: Not always, but if the area was contaminated, punctured, or shows infection signs, antibiotics may be prescribed.
Q: How long does the procedure take?
A: Most foreign body removals are completed within 15–30 minutes, depending on the complexity.
Q: What if the object was swallowed?
A: For swallowed items — especially sharp objects, magnets, or button batteries — seek care immediately. We’ll assess whether imaging or hospital transfer is needed.
Contact Express Urgent Care
If you or a loved one has something stuck and needs safe, professional removal, don’t wait. Visit or contact us today:
Express Urgent Care
📍 750 N Diamond Bar Blvd Suite 102
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
📞 (909) 718-2455
🌐 https://expressurgentcareinc.com/
Open seven days a week — walk-ins welcome!