What Symptoms Should I Look Out For After Licking A Lollipop Which Had A Bug Inside?

Posted on Wed, 2 Feb 2022

Question: Hey doctor so recently I had one of these lollipops and after pulling it out of my mouth and just sucking on it not biting it I noticed a weird looking bug in the lollipop. I’m just a little concerned I didn’t actually ingest the bug it’s still in the lollipop but I was just wondering if it’s soemthing I should get checked out? I have attached an image of it as well where you can see the little black bug in it.

I think the lollipop is from China as well which is why it concerns me a little thanks in advance.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (54 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Can use probiotics and monitor for symptoms

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

It is very understandable to be concerned but since you did not ingest the bug then this would limit any problems that may occur.

Any problems would likely to be mainly gastrointestinal eg stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea etc

You can use probiotics to protect the stomach and intestinal lining if you wish and monitor for symptoms.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (10 minutes later)

Is there any chance of getting something like Hepatitis A,B,C from just sucking on the lollipop I think I had a vaccine when I was younger but would it be worth getting checked up or getting a booster shot? What symptoms should I be monitoring for?

I read somewhere of people getting Hepatitis A from having frozen berries could this be the same possibility?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
unlikely complication

Detailed Answer:
HI

It is unlikely to have any of the hepatitis viruses via the use of the lollipop.Insects are not reservoirs or sources of the hepatitis viruses.

Hepatitis A presents with mainly abdominal symptoms eg loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain.
It is not a chronic infection meaning that if it does occur in anyone, when the symptoms resolve, the virus usually leaves the body. Most persons fully recover, in some cases this can take 3 to 6 months.
Treatment is just to manage the symptoms as they are present

Hepatitis b and c also cause fever, nausea, vomiting, joint pain, abdominal pain, fatigue.
Though most persons recover well, a small set of persons may go on to chronic infection.
Treatment for most persons is also symptomatic - manage specific symptoms

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (1 hour later)

Thanks for clearing that up doctor it's definitely put me at ease in terms of hepatitis transmission though how come foods like frozen berries have it? So it's more so to do with the food itself or the people handling it that causes transmission?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
transmitted via food and water that is contaminated

Detailed Answer:
Hepatitis a is spread from food and water contaminated from stool from an infected person.

you were particularly worried about the bug causing you hepatitis, but as mentioned, insects are not carriers if hepatitis

any packaged food that you buy or any food that you buy ready made has the potential to be contaminated by anyone who processes it but if this happened each of every time the rates of hepatitis and other food borne illnesses would be astronomically high.
The vast majority of foods and drinks are safe or most persons would have an illness.
the bug itself is not likely to cause an issue

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (6 hours later)

Makes sense for sure but in terms of that bug itself that I attached in the image would you have any idea of what it is? I’ve never seen anything with tentacles in terms of an insect could it possibly be something else entirely?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
unfortunately not able to clearly see the type of bug

Detailed Answer:
HI

Unfortunately cannot identify the exact nature of the bug cannot be determined.

If you have contact with some one with a microscope or another high powered lens or camera, you may be able to determine what it is exactly

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (38 hours later)

Another thing on an unrelated note I’ve had this problem for a while now at least 3-4 years but I am finding it’s annoying me more as of recently. Basically everytime I have short bursts of exercise or just walking at a fast pace and then I go talk to someone I find that I am out of breath and have to pause momentarily while I’m talking to take a breath in and then continue talking. I’ve also found that people who wear perfume make me feel like I’m suffocating the same goes for if I wear aftershave I just find it hard to breath and the same for when I’m in places like a nightclub with heaps of people. I’ve also have undiagnosed or “functional” chronic epigastric pain and digestive problems for the last 2 years now where they found nothing from all the tests done including endoscopy’s etc. Now in terms of fitness I don’t really exercise at all which could be a factor but I’m no where near underweight I’m quite the opposite at 56kg and 175cm tall and im only 20 years old. Could it be possible I am maybe having some sort of heart problem that maybe the reason for my epigastric pain as well or could it astma? I’ve never done any tests for my heart or lungs though other than the doctor checking win the stethoscope when I breath in. I also do suffer with anxiety and stress if thats a factor and I always have this feeling like I’m running on adrenaline

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
normal physiological response to increased activity

Detailed Answer:
HI

It is normal to experience shortness of breath with an increase in activity, this shortness of breath would affect speech. It is the normal response. If you note athletes even in a 100 m race that takes a few seconds, usually 10 to 15 secs, they are all short of breath and have difficultly speaking.
It is not related to weight , it is because the heart and lungs have increased work and need time to get back to normal rate.

Persons have different responses to perfume. Even slightly strong scents give me a headache.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar