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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Accidental Inhalation Of Foreign Object

I inhaled a sunflower seed shell. I induced vomiting and coughing but I'm not sure if it was dislodged. My breathing is not obstructed but I am concerned the foreign object might still be in my lungs. I don't feel much discomfort other than some pain when breathing deeply. Do I need to go to the ER or can I wait to see if I feel better tomorrow?
Fri, 24 Jun 2016
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
You are afraid about aspiration of foreign body (sunflower seed) in the lungs.
If this would have happened, you must be having continuous cough, chest pain, breathing difficulty etc.
Since all these symptoms are absent, I don't think you have aspirated sunflower seed.
So no need to rush to the hospital. You can wait for 1-2 days.
If during this period you develop constant chest pain, continuous coughing and breathlessness then immediately consult pulmonologist and get done bronchoscopy.
Bronchoscopy is not only diagnostic but therapeutic also. If there is seed then through bronchoscope it cannot be removed.
So at present, no need to worry much. Just relax and calm.
If worsening symptoms are there then consult pulmonologist.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
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Suggest Treatment For Accidental Inhalation Of Foreign Object

Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic. I can understand your concern. You are afraid about aspiration of foreign body (sunflower seed) in the lungs. If this would have happened, you must be having continuous cough, chest pain, breathing difficulty etc. Since all these symptoms are absent, I don t think you have aspirated sunflower seed. So no need to rush to the hospital. You can wait for 1-2 days. If during this period you develop constant chest pain, continuous coughing and breathlessness then immediately consult pulmonologist and get done bronchoscopy. Bronchoscopy is not only diagnostic but therapeutic also. If there is seed then through bronchoscope it cannot be removed. So at present, no need to worry much. Just relax and calm. If worsening symptoms are there then consult pulmonologist. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.