Accidentally swallowing a small piece of plastic wrapper is a common occurrence that can cause concern. Most incidents do not lead to serious health issues. The human body can typically handle small, smooth ingested foreign objects. This article explains what typically happens and when to seek medical guidance.
How the Body Handles Ingested Plastic
When a small, smooth piece of plastic wrapper is swallowed, it begins a journey through the gastrointestinal tract, much like food. The esophagus, a muscular tube, propels the object down to the stomach using wave-like contractions called peristalsis. In the stomach, strong acids and enzymes work to break down food, but plastic is not affected by these digestive juices, being chemically inert and undigestible.
The stomach’s churning action helps to mix the contents, forming a thick liquid called chyme, which then moves into the small intestine. The small intestine is where most nutrient absorption occurs, but the plastic piece, lacking nutritional value, simply continues its passage. Peristalsis continues to move the plastic through the approximately 20 feet of the small intestine. This process typically takes between 24 to 72 hours for the plastic to pass through the digestive system.
From the small intestine, the plastic enters the large intestine, where water is absorbed, and waste material is converted into stool. The large intestine then moves this waste towards the rectum for eventual expulsion from the body. In most cases, a small, smooth piece of plastic wrapper will pass harmlessly through the entire digestive tract and exit in the stool, often unnoticed.
Signs That Warrant Medical Attention
While most small, smooth pieces of plastic pass without incident, certain signs indicate medical attention is warranted. Immediate concerns arise if the plastic wrapper causes choking or difficulty breathing, which can happen if it becomes lodged in the airway. Symptoms such as persistent coughing, wheezing, noisy breathing, or changes in skin color require emergency care.
If the plastic object gets stuck in the esophagus or further down in the gastrointestinal tract, other symptoms may develop. These can include difficulty swallowing, persistent drooling, gagging, or chest and throat pain. Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting (with or without blood), or an inability to pass stool are also concerning signs that suggest a potential blockage or irritation within the stomach or intestines.
If the swallowed plastic piece was large, sharp, or caused any immediate discomfort beyond a brief sensation, seek medical consultation. Blood in the stool or rectal pain can indicate a cut or irritation along the digestive tract. A healthcare professional can assess the situation, potentially using imaging like X-rays, and determine if intervention, such as an endoscopy, is necessary.