While the thought of swallowing a fingernail can be unsettling, severe health consequences are rare. The human body possesses robust mechanisms to handle small, non-food items that enter the digestive tract. Understanding how the body processes such objects can alleviate much of the concern.
The Journey Through the Digestive System
When a fingernail is swallowed, it travels through the gastrointestinal tract. It first moves down the esophagus, a muscular tube, propelled by rhythmic contractions known as peristalsis.
In the stomach, the fingernail encounters a highly acidic environment. While stomach acid is potent enough to break down food, it does not dissolve fingernails, which are composed of indigestible keratin. From the stomach, the fingernail moves into the small intestine and then into the large intestine. The body’s natural muscular movements guide the undigested fingernail until it is eventually excreted in stool, usually within 24 to 72 hours. Most swallowed foreign objects (80% to 90%) pass without causing any symptoms or complications.
Potential Complications and Severity
While the vast majority of swallowed fingernails pass uneventfully, theoretical and extremely rare complications can occur. An immediate, though uncommon, concern is the risk of choking or airway obstruction if the fingernail is swallowed improperly and becomes lodged in the throat or windpipe. This can block the passage of air and constitutes a medical emergency.
Beyond the immediate airway, complications within the digestive tract are exceptionally rare but can include impaction or perforation. Impaction refers to the fingernail getting stuck somewhere along the digestive pathway, such as the esophagus, stomach, or intestines. This is more likely with larger or unusually shaped pieces. Perforation, a puncture of the digestive tract lining, is even rarer but possible if a sharp edge of the fingernail were to scratch or tear the delicate tissues. Such an event could lead to pain, internal bleeding, or infection, including peritonitis, a serious inflammation of the abdominal lining. Fingernails can also harbor bacteria and fungi, potentially introducing microorganisms into the digestive system, although serious infections from this are not common.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While most instances of swallowing a fingernail resolve without intervention, knowing when to seek medical advice is important for peace of mind and safety. If, after swallowing a fingernail, an individual experiences difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, or wheezing, it could indicate that the object has entered the airway and requires immediate medical attention.
Symptoms related to the digestive system that warrant concern include severe or worsening abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or the presence of blood in vomit or stool. A sensation of something continuously stuck in the throat or chest, difficulty swallowing saliva, or excessive drooling may also indicate an issue that needs medical evaluation. Although these complications are infrequent, recognizing these specific warning signs is important to ensure timely and appropriate care.