Overview

Disc batteries (also called button cell batteries) are found in toys, watches, hearing aids, cameras, calculators, and some remote-controlled devices. These batteries are small, usually less than 0.5 in. (1.3 cm) across, and can be easily inserted into the nose.

A disc battery in the nose must be removed immediately. The moist tissue in the nose can cause the battery to release strong chemicals (alkali) quickly, often in less than 1 hour. This can cause serious damage to the sensitive mucous membranes lining the nose.

If you or your child has a disc battery in the nose, do not use nose drops or sprays of any type. This can cause the battery to corrode more quickly.

To remove a disc battery from the nose, have the child breathe through his or her mouth since the nose is blocked and try the following:

• Pinch the side of the nose without the battery closed and have the child try to blow it out of the blocked side. Have the child blow his or her nose forcefully several times.
• If the battery is partially out of the nose, you may be able to remove it with your fingers or blunt-nosed tweezers. Be careful not to push it farther into the nose. If the child resists or is not able to hold still, do not attempt to remove the battery.
• After the battery is removed, some minor bleeding from the nose may occur. This usually is not serious and should be stopped by firmly pinching the nose shut for 10 minutes. See how to stop a nosebleed (Figure 1).

If you are not able to remove the disc battery, contact your doctor immediately. If you are not able to contact your doctor, go to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Figure 1 - How to stop a nosebleed

Follow these steps to stop a nosebleed.

1. Gently blow your nose to clear any clots.
2. Sit up straight and tip your head slightly forward.

   Do not tilt your head back. This may cause blood to run down the back of your throat, and you may swallow it. Swallowed blood can irritate your stomach and cause vomiting. And vomiting may make the bleeding worse or cause it to start again. Spit out any blood that gathers in your mouth and throat rather than swallowing it.

3. Use your thumb and forefinger to firmly pinch the soft part of your nose shut.

   The nose consists of a hard, bony part and a softer part made of cartilage. Nosebleeds usually occur in the soft part of the nose.

   Spraying the nose with a decongestant nasal spray like oxymetazoline (Drixoral) before applying pressure may help stop a nosebleed. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.

   You will have to breathe through your mouth.

4. Keep pinching for at least 15 minutes.

   Use a clock to time the 15 minutes. It can seem like a long time. Resist the urge to peek after a few minutes to see if your nose has stopped bleeding.

5. Check to see if your nose is still bleeding after 15 minutes.

   If it is, hold it for 10 to 15 more minutes. Most nosebleeds will stop after 10 to 20 minutes of direct pressure.

6. Put a thin layer of a saline- or water-based nasal gel, such as NasoGel, or an antiseptic nasal cream inside your nose.

   Do not blow your nose or put anything else inside your nose for several hours after the bleeding has stopped.

7. Rest quietly for a few hours.

Current as of: September 27, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.