What is the most common symptom of a foreign body lodged in the nose?

The most common symptom of a foreign body lodged in the nose is mucopurulent nasal discharge. When a foreign object obstructs the nasal passage, it can lead to inflammation and irritation of the nasal mucosa. This irritation often results in the production of excess mucus, which may become infected, causing it to appear purulent (containing pus). Therefore, the discharge can have a characteristic color and odor, often darker and potentially foul due to bacterial colonization around the foreign object.

In the presence of a foreign body, the body's natural response includes mucosal swelling and discharge production, making that symptom prominent. Other symptoms such as foul odor may develop over time but are typically associated with infection or prolonged obstruction rather than being the first indication of a foreign body presence. While epistaxis (nosebleed) can occur, it is not as common as mucopurulent discharge in these cases. Mouth breathing might also happen as a compensatory mechanism when nasal air flow is obstructed but is not a primary symptom of the foreign body itself.