Nose Trouble Explained: Arizona Man Sneezes Out 25-Year-Old Lego Piece

Written by Kathrine Frich

Sep.09 - 2024 5:34 PM CET

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Photo: Shutterstock
Photo: Shutterstock
He Assumed He Had Allergies.

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For 32-year-old Andi Norton from Phoenix, Arizona, a single sneeze brought relief to years of sinus issues.

Thought he had Allergies

After decades of assuming his breathing problems were due to allergies, Andi discovered a surprising cause: a Lego piece lodged in his nose for 25 years.

Andi had dealt with chronic sinus infections and a constantly stuffy nose for most of his life. He believed his allergies to pets and pollen were the main culprits.

Eight months ago, he visited a doctor who suggested he regularly clean his nose in a warm, steamy environment, like the shower, to ease his symptoms.

A Powerful Sneeze

One morning, while following this advice, Andi experienced a powerful sneeze. To his shock, something hard flew out of his nose and hit the shower floor. Upon inspecting it, Andi realized it was a small yellow Lego piece—a memory he had long forgotten suddenly came rushing back.

In 1998, Andi, then just a child, had been playing with Legos when he stuffed one piece up his nose. After a failed attempt to retrieve it with a Lego figure, he told his mother, who was able to remove the figure's head but missed the yellow piece that remained lodged in his nose.

For 25 years, that Lego piece caused Andi's discomfort. Now, finally free of it, Andi can breathe easily and plans to keep the tiny toy as a memento of the bizarre ordeal.