Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Small Flake Of Bumbbell Inhaled, Minor Irritation While Dry Swallowing. Laryngoscopy Required?

While lifting dumbbells at the gym today:

a small flake/piece (of unknown size) from the dumbbell fell and rode my inhale breath into the back of my throat. It was a small sensation, but I am sure I felt it. Afterwards I felt minor irritation during dry swallowing, it did not go away with drinking water. My guess is that the piece has adhered to the mucosal lining.

Fast forward 2 hours. I've eaten dinner. The feeling of irritation is no worse, but still there. If I don't think about it, I only notice it occasionally.

As the dumbbell was cast iron, the material could be either cast iron, a paint/finish on top, or a combination of both.

Should I get a laryngoscopy? or trust the miracle of the human body to get rid of the foreign body?
Mon, 21 Oct 2013
Report Abuse
Pain Medicine & Palliative Care Specialist 's  Response
Hi,
This is unlikely to cause any serious problems other than short-term local irritation in you throat. Therefore, I suggest you do nothing at present. It is most likely to eventually be washed away by the normal actions of eating and drinking.
If it does go on to cause problems, these would be indicated by increasing pain and swelling in your throat and a fever. It is most unlikely to result in these problems. Therefore, I would suggest you do not need a laryngoscopy.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger,
MBChB FRCA
I find this answer helpful

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Small Flake Of Bumbbell Inhaled, Minor Irritation While Dry Swallowing. Laryngoscopy Required?

Hi, This is unlikely to cause any serious problems other than short-term local irritation in you throat. Therefore, I suggest you do nothing at present. It is most likely to eventually be washed away by the normal actions of eating and drinking. If it does go on to cause problems, these would be indicated by increasing pain and swelling in your throat and a fever. It is most unlikely to result in these problems. Therefore, I would suggest you do not need a laryngoscopy. Regards, Dr K A Pottinger, MBChB FRCA