The mother's kiss, or parent's kiss, is a technique used to remove foreign objects from a child's nose. It involves sealing the child's unaffected nostril and gently blowing air into their mouth to create a pressure difference that expels the object. This method is considered a safe and effective first-line approach, particularly for young children.
How the Mother's Kiss Works
The method leverages basic physics:
- Seal: One nostril is firmly closed, preventing air leakage.
- Pressure: Air blown gently into the child's mouth creates positive pressure.
- Expulsion: This pressure forces the foreign body out of the open nostril.
Important Considerations:
- Gentle Blowing: Avoid forceful blowing; gentle pressure is key to prevent injury.
- Child's Cooperation: The child's cooperation is essential for a successful outcome. Explain the procedure kindly.
- Not Always Effective: The mother's kiss is not 100% effective; if unsuccessful, seek professional medical help.
- Aspiration Risk: The primary risk is aspiration (the object entering the lungs), so proceed cautiously.
Several sources confirm the efficacy and safety of this technique when performed correctly:
- The RACGP (Royal Australian College of General Practitioners) supports the mother's kiss as a treatment option for nasal foreign bodies. (https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2013/may/mothers-kiss)
- A systematic review published in PubMed Central concluded that the mother's kiss is a useful and safe first-line option. (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3503923/)
- Various online resources, including Cleveland Clinic (https://health.clevelandclinic.org/something-stuck-toddlers-nose-dont-panic) and others, detail the procedure and its safety precautions.
When to Seek Medical Attention:
If the mother's kiss fails to remove the object, or if the child shows signs of distress or difficulty breathing, immediately seek medical attention.
