More than 800 foreign objects were removed from patients in Tayside hospitals last year.
There were 527 visits to Ninewells Hospital’s accident and emergency department for people to have items removed from their body. There were 296 visits to Perth Royal Infirmary.
Body parts that objects were removed from include the ear canal, throat, nose and nether regions.
NHS Tayside does not record what has been stuck in the body, but children having small objects in their ears and nose is said to be one of the most common causes for a hospital visit. Watch batteries are particularly dangerous and can cause internal burning.
Dr Andrew Paterson, consultant in Emergency Medicine with NHS Tayside, said: “We see a variety of patients of all ages requiring treatment for removal of a range of foreign bodies.
“Some of the most common reasons are small foreign bodies in people’s eyes after either being blown in by the wind, from working under vehicles or doing DIY and lost contact lenses. The vast majority of foreign bodies in eyes are removed in the emergency department with some patients needing follow-up in an eye clinic.
“We also see children who either ingest coins or other small objects or have inserted them in their ears or noses. A large range of objects are seen, such as small toys, beads and pieces of paper, but coins are the most common.
“The most concerning ingested foreign objects are small button batteries which can cause perforation of the bowel if they become stuck.
“Young children are the most common offenders but all age ranges can accidentally ingest things like dental crowns and caps. Adults often lose the end of cotton buds in ears and small parts of broken hearing aids can become stuck in ears.
“In the summer months, we do occasionally see insects stuck in ear canals.
“Foreign bodies removed from wounds typically include injuries from falling on broken glass or organic material such as thorns which snap off after penetrating the skin. Glass, small stones and grit are commonly seen in wounds from falls outside.
“The soles of feet are a special area where objects such as sewing needles and sea urchin spines become lodged.
“We also see a small number of objects such as fishing hooks in thumbs, fingers and faces, especially during the fishing season.”
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) warned parents to monitor their children.
A spokeswoman said: “RoSPA is aware that many children are taken to hospital each year as a result of small objects being ingested through the mouth or nose, or put in the ears.
“Very young children may put things in their mouths or other parts of their body as part of their early play and learning experience.
“Choking on small toys, nuts, grapes, other foods and household objects can result in distress, injury and occasionally death.
“Apart from the obvious choking hazards, objects that can cause significant internal damage are button batteries which, when mixed with saliva and fluids, can cause severe internal burns.
“Parents and carers are advised to supervise young children and keep small household items out of reach.”
