Concern Over Missing Jewelry: What Should I Do?
At 24 years old, I decided to have a little fun with a faux septum piercing. However, about twenty minutes after putting it in, it unexpectedly slipped out, and now I can’t find one of the two ball ends that were attached to it. These balls screw onto the jewelry and each features a tiny hole underneath. I’m attaching a picture with a ruler for some context about the size of the piece. It’s been a wild ride trying to locate the missing ball, and I’m beginning to panic about the possibility of it having been swallowed, lodged in my nose, or inhaled since it’s so tiny that I might not even notice. I’ve been thinking about a news segment where someone choked on a small object, and it’s unsettling to consider my own situation, although I didn’t choke on anything at the time. I’m really at a loss for what steps to take next. I’ve thoroughly searched the floor, checked my clothing, and even blew my nose several times, but there’s been no sign of it. I tried to clear my throat as well but came up empty. I own a NeilMed sinus rinse — would using that be a wise decision to try and flush it out, or might it risk becoming further stuck? Another option could be that the ball isn’t lodged in my nose at all, and it simply got lost in the chaos, or I might have swallowed it. Considering I was eating soup when this all happened, it would have been easy to accidentally swallow it if it rolled back into my throat. But logically, it seems unlikely since I was positioned forward over the bowl at the time. I also don’t know what material the jewelry is made from, so I’m concerned about the risks of heavy metal exposure if it is inside me somewhere. Can a foreign object remain internally and lead to complications, or should I assume it’s going to pass through without issues? This feels ridiculous to be so worried over, but I couldn’t help reaching out to see if anyone has advice. I really hope I’m just being overly anxious!
Answers (1)
2/17/2026, 7:31:02 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's completely understandable to feel anxious about the situation with your missing jewelry, especially considering the small size and potential risks. Let's break down your concerns and outline some practical next steps.
Main Points:
- Potential Risks: It's important to assess if the jewelry could be lodged in your nose, swallowed, or lost. You're not alone in feeling worried.
- Immediate Actions: Focus on monitoring symptoms and understanding the risk of any possible complications.
- Reassurance: Many foreign objects typically pass through the digestive system without causing harm, and active measures can help you feel more secure without exacerbating the situation.
Explanation:
- If the ball from your septum piercing is lost, you have reason to consider a few scenarios: it may have fallen onto the ground, it might be lodged in your nose, or it could have been swallowed.
- In general, small ingested items can pass through the digestive tract and are unlikely to cause issues unless they are sharp or large. However, the risk of swallowing it can cause anxiety.
- Attempting to flush it out with the NeilMed sinus rinse may not be advisable unless you have clear indications that it is indeed lodged in your nose, as this could push it further in.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms: Pay close attention to how you feel. If you experience any unusual symptoms such as:
- Unexplained pain, particularly in your nose or throat.
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
- Persistent coughing or sneezing that feels unusual.
If any of these symptoms develop, consider seeking medical attention to rule out complications.
-
Avoid Nose Rinses for Now: Since you’re unsure if it’s lodged in your nose, hold off on using the sinus rinse until you can determine whether it is trapped. Instead, gently sniff to see if you can feel something unusual.
-
Check Your Stool: If you're concerned about having swallowed the ball, keep an eye on your stool over the next few days. If you see anything unusual or have persistent discomfort, that would be a good reason to consult a healthcare provider.
-
Practice Deep Breathing: Anxiety can heighten your feelings of concern. Try to practice some relaxation techniques, which can help ease your mind. Gentle deep breathing exercises can be beneficial.
-
Stay Calm: It might help to acknowledge that this can happen to anyone, and most likely, everything will be alright.
Remember, deep breaths and positive thoughts will help you navigate this experience. Keep an eye on your symptoms, and trust that you're taking the right steps to handle the situation. If you have further questions or need support, don’t hesitate to reach out.
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