Concern Over Lost Septum Ring Ball
I’m a 22-year-old and I’m a bit unsure where to share this, but I hope it’s not too silly of a question. I wear a septum ring and usually keep it flipped up for work. However, yesterday I had it turned down all day and found myself sneezing frequently. Initially, I attributed it to allergies, but it felt as though there was something irritating my nasal passages that prompted the sneezing. Today, when I switched my septum ring back to its normal position, I realized that one of the balls was missing. Now I’m anxious it might have lodged itself inside my nose. Is it possible for it to travel down my throat and pass through my system, or should I consider consulting a medical professional?
Answers (1)
2/9/2026, 12:10:28 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel anxious about the missing ball from your septum ring. While it’s unusual for small objects like the ball to travel into the nasal passages and down the throat, it's important to approach this situation with some caution.
Explanation:
When you lose a small piece of jewelry, it can cause concern about where it ended up. In most cases, if the ball did come off and you didn’t notice it being swallowed, it's likely still in the nasal passages or may have fallen out without being ingested. Objects that are small enough can occasionally inadvertently be inhaled, but the most common scenario is that they remain in the nose.
Next Steps:
-
Check Your Nasal Passages:
- Carefully examine your nose in a mirror to see if you can spot the ball. You may also want to gently pinch your opposite nostril and breathe out, which could help dislodge it if it’s near the entrance.
-
Avoid Probing:
- Do not probe your nose with any sharp or pointed objects, as this may cause injury.
-
Monitor Symptoms:
- Pay attention to how you feel. If you experience persistent discomfort, nasal bleeding, unusual pain, or if you notice changes in your ability to breathe, these could be signs to seek medical attention.
-
Stay Calm:
- If the ball is not found and you are not experiencing any troubling symptoms, it's likely that there's no acute danger. Objects like this usually don’t cause issues. However, if you remain concerned, you may want to consult a healthcare professional for peace of mind.
If you have further questions or notice symptoms develop, feel free to ask for more guidance. Your health and comfort are most important.
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