HomeAnswersOtolaryngology (E.N.T)foreign bodyWhat to do if a small ant crawls inside through the nose or ear?

What can happen if a small ant crawls inside the human body through nose or ear?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Sneha Kannan

Published At May 20, 2020
Reviewed AtJanuary 18, 2024

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

What is the worst thing that can happen if a small ant crawls into the human body through the nose or ear?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The worst thing that can happen to that creature is that it will die. No insect after entering into the nose can survive for a long time as it usually gets pushed into the stomach and gets killed due to gastric juices. Yes, some organisms like worms survive the effect of gastric juices and can survive at the cost of the body. An insect in the nose usually, if alive, can produce severe foreign body sensations, and you would either sneeze it out or, if stuck, seek immediate medical help to get it out. Once an insect goes into the nose or ear, the feeling that it is still there is often psychological, even when the insect would not be there.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Bhadragiri Vageesh Padiyar
Dr. Bhadragiri Vageesh Padiyar

Otolaryngology (E.N.T)

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