What To Do After Accidentally Swallowing A Piece Of Bagel?

Posted on Thu, 1 Dec 2016

Question: My son swallowed a piece of bagel this morning and it went down his trachea. Now he is feeling sharp pains by his lungs. Should I take him to the ER?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Arnab (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes , please do so..

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX, Welcome to HCM,
I've gone through your query and understand your concern for your son,

Now first of all, please note that, it's extremely unlikely to get even a piece of bagel through trachea, as by virtue, body's normal physiological response in severe coughing, chocking and subsequent respiratory distress.. however some very small part of that piece can escape in to the respiratory passage and causes further irritation..

Now, the sharp pain can be induced by muscular spasm also, but if it's causing any difficulty in breathing, then yes, you should take him to your nearest ER for a quick evaluation and few relevant investigations (a Chest X-ray in the first place)..

Yes, let him have only liquids (preferably XXXXXXX warm) for now, just get him evaluated first of all before giving any foods..

He can also take gentle steam inhalation for twice to thrice daily for next 2-3 days afterwards for symptomatic relief..

Do let me know how he stays later on..

Take Care
Kind Regards

Note: For further follow-up it is advisable to consult an emergency medicine specialist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee