Concerns About Inhaled Nose Stud: X-Ray Missed Something?
Greetings, I'm a 30-year-old female with no significant health concerns aside from hypothyroidism and polycystic ovary syndrome. I'm not typically a back sleeper, but I had a brief moment where I woke up with my cat cozying up on my stomach. I glanced at my phone for a bit before dozing off again in that position. Shortly afterward, while scratching my nose, I suddenly noticed that my nose stud was missing and felt something slide down into my nasal passage. After trying to blow my nose without success, I sat up and realized I could feel the stud lodged in my throat. Naturally, I panicked. Unfortunately, urgent care wouldn’t assist me since they deemed it a matter for the emergency room. At the ER, they performed a chest X-ray, but the results were unremarkable. The doctor then suggested a follow-up throat X-ray, believing it might yield different results, but again found nothing. Despite their assurances, I am convinced the stud did move through my nose into my throat, as I can still sense something there. I found that the medical staff appeared somewhat indifferent to my situation. After doing some research, I came across a similar experience shared by someone online: In their account, they mentioned how a technician decided to check their mouth and throat as a precaution. Upon further examination, the technician discovered a small T-shaped object resting just above the hyoid bone and prior to the epiglottis, which is the flap that protects the trachea. The results were sent to a doctor who determined the object needed to be removed immediately to prevent any potential aspiration into the lungs. This incident has left me feeling anxious as I can distinctly feel something in my throat. The doctor I consulted was noncommittal in their response, saying that they didn't see evidence of inhalation unless the object was lodged further back. Is there a possibility they overlooked areas higher up during the X-ray, given that they only scanned the neck and lower? Should I seek a second opinion at another ER? I am certain I inhaled the stud, especially as I was lying on my back and felt it shift down. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Answers (1)
2/14/2026, 5:10:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are understandably worried about the inhaled nose stud and the sensations you're experiencing in your throat. It's important to address your concerns calmly and thoroughly. Let's break this down:
Main Points
- You believe a nose stud was inhaled and may be lodged in your throat.
- You've had chest and throat X-rays that returned normal results.
- You're experiencing ongoing sensations in your throat, causing anxiety.
Explanation
When objects like nose studs get inhaled, they can indeed move into the airway or beyond. However, if the X-ray results were normal, it is reassuring that the stud likely has not moved into a position where it poses an immediate risk (such as in the lungs). The throat sensations you're experiencing could be due to irritation, anxiety, or a lingering sensation of having had something there, rather than the presence of a foreign body.
X-rays have limitations; they are excellent for identifying larger objects but may miss small ones or those that are not well positioned for visualization. However, keep in mind that medical professionals consider these types of scenarios from different angles, and if they did not find evidence of the stud, it is a positive sign.
Next Steps
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Stay Calm: Understanding that the X-rays did not show any foreign objects is a step in the right direction. Anxiety can increase your awareness of sensations, which might feel magnified.
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of any new symptoms, such as coughing, choking, or changes in swallowing. If these symptoms occur, seek immediate medical attention.
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Consider a Follow-Up with ENT: If you continue to feel anxious or experience persistent sensations in your throat, you might benefit from a specialist consultation. An Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) doctor can perform a thorough examination and use other imaging techniques (like a direct laryngoscopy) to check for the presence of any foreign objects.
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Practice Relaxation Techniques: To manage anxiety, consider relaxation practices such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or gentle physical activity. This can help ease your mind and reduce the focus on sensations in your throat.
If at any point you feel that the sensations worsen or if you develop any breathing issues, seek medical attention immediately. It's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to any respiratory or swallowing concerns. Let me know if you need further guidance or specific resources!
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