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Suggest Remedy For Accidental Ingestion Of Plastic
Question: I think I might have swallowed a piece of a plastic fork is it dangerous?? The part that has a point
Brief Answer:
Please go to ER if you have difficulty in swallowing or pain abdomen
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. Though it is rare for a plastic fork piece to cause a penetrating injury to the oesophagus, stomach or intestines, such an injury cannot be ruled out if you are having abdominal pain. The danger is from the sharp point, the plastic will travel out of the system undigested within a few days.
2. It is always better to get investigated, especially if you are having pain during swallowing or any recent onset abdomen pain.
3. In case of a suspected plastic fork piece ingestion with swallowing difficulty, it will help to do an endoscopy at the earliest. The endoscopy can locate the piece of plastic up to the stomach lumen and retrieve it. Beyond the stomach, it is difficult to look for a plastic fork piece with an endoscope.
4. Though we cannot see a plastic fork piece on x ray, a CT scan can be done if you have persisting symptoms of abdomen discomfort. Foreign bodies like a piece of plastic fork can be visualized on CT scan and its exact location will be known and if it is causing any penetration of bowel wall.
5. In conclusion, I recommend that you visit the ER if you are having any discomfort in swallowing or any pain in abdomen after your suspected ingestion of plastic fork piece.
If there is no pain or discomfort then there is no need to go to the ER, however please watch for any pain in abdomen over coming 2 to 3 days and stay alert to go to the ER if that happens.
Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Please go to ER if you have difficulty in swallowing or pain abdomen
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. Though it is rare for a plastic fork piece to cause a penetrating injury to the oesophagus, stomach or intestines, such an injury cannot be ruled out if you are having abdominal pain. The danger is from the sharp point, the plastic will travel out of the system undigested within a few days.
2. It is always better to get investigated, especially if you are having pain during swallowing or any recent onset abdomen pain.
3. In case of a suspected plastic fork piece ingestion with swallowing difficulty, it will help to do an endoscopy at the earliest. The endoscopy can locate the piece of plastic up to the stomach lumen and retrieve it. Beyond the stomach, it is difficult to look for a plastic fork piece with an endoscope.
4. Though we cannot see a plastic fork piece on x ray, a CT scan can be done if you have persisting symptoms of abdomen discomfort. Foreign bodies like a piece of plastic fork can be visualized on CT scan and its exact location will be known and if it is causing any penetration of bowel wall.
5. In conclusion, I recommend that you visit the ER if you are having any discomfort in swallowing or any pain in abdomen after your suspected ingestion of plastic fork piece.
If there is no pain or discomfort then there is no need to go to the ER, however please watch for any pain in abdomen over coming 2 to 3 days and stay alert to go to the ER if that happens.
Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Having a discomfort but not sure its because I am nervous and scared
Brief Answer:
Chances of plastic fork piece getting stuck is less
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. Please allow me to clarify that not every one who swallows a plastic fork piece will have problems.
2. It is understandable that right now you are tensed and having anxiety. I assure you that the chances of any problem from swallowing the fork piece is rare.
3. Discomfort is a vague symptom and does not necessarily mean there is any significant problem. Please have soft diet and adequate fluids to push the piece of plastic through your bowel. You can choose to get an endoscopy done if the discomfort is in the upper abdomen. This will address your fears and most likely it will be normal.
Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Chances of plastic fork piece getting stuck is less
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. Please allow me to clarify that not every one who swallows a plastic fork piece will have problems.
2. It is understandable that right now you are tensed and having anxiety. I assure you that the chances of any problem from swallowing the fork piece is rare.
3. Discomfort is a vague symptom and does not necessarily mean there is any significant problem. Please have soft diet and adequate fluids to push the piece of plastic through your bowel. You can choose to get an endoscopy done if the discomfort is in the upper abdomen. This will address your fears and most likely it will be normal.
Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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