Possible Inhaled Foreign Body: What to Do and When to Worry
Recently, while eating, I inhaled an unchewed Skittles candy that went straight to the back of my throat. Recognizing it, my immediate reaction was to swallow it. Could it have gone into my lungs or airways? This phenomenon, known as foreign body aspiration, can happen to anyone, even adults. Let's explore the situations, symptoms, and appropriate actions.
Understanding Foreign Body Aspiration
When a small object gets inhaled into the lungs, it is termed foreign body aspiration. Common examples include small pieces of food like hot dogs, nuts, or grapes. Tiny objects such as small plastic toys or pins can also be aspirated. If a chest X-ray cannot detect the object, but you suspect it might be present, there are two further methods for checking. One involves an operating room procedure where a microlaryngoscopy and bronchoscopy may be performed to visualize the lungs and airways.
How Your Body Reacts
Thankfully, your throat is highly effective at handling such situations. This incident would have caused significant discomfort if the object had entered your respiratory system. However, if the object did get into the lungs, it would usually melt away due to the body temperature (37 degrees Celsius). Unless you experience symptoms like coughing, chest pain, or shortness of breath, there is no need to worry. Your body would have taken appropriate measures to expel the object.
What Happens After Inhaling an Object?
Your swallowing mechanism is designed to close off your airway temporarily as food passes through. If you felt the candy go down your throat and managed to swallow it without a severe coughing fit, the object has most likely gone down the right tube to your stomach. Certain objects, like cherry seeds, can cause significant discomfort and distress if they remain in the airway. Successfully coughing up the seed is a common outcome.
Your lungs are fundamentally different from your esophagus. If you are breathing normally now, it is highly unlikely that the Skittles is still in your lungs or airways. Your body would have made a concerted effort to expel it if it had gotten that far.
Risk and Symptoms to Watch For
Most people experience gagging, choking, and intense coughing if they aspirate an object. However, if the object does not dislodge, the risk of pneumonia increases. Peanuts, in particular, often cause inflammation and are more dangerous than other foods.
Conclusion
In summary, while it is possible for adults to aspirate small objects like Skittles, the majority of situations do not result in the object reaching the lungs. If you experience no symptoms and are breathing normally, it is likely that your body has expelled the object. However, if you notice any concerning symptoms, it is best to seek medical advice promptly.