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What are the potential risks of inhaling plastic?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I accidentally inhaled a small piece of plastic through my mouth. I am wondering if this will harm me. Should I seek medical attention to get checked out? I do not know how dangerous this is. Please help.

Thank you.
Answered by Dr. Sugandh Garg

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sugandh Garg is a qualified medical professional with an MBBS degree and an MD in Forensic Medicine, with significant experience as a COVID-19 expert. Since March 2020, he has been actively working with the government civil hospital COVID team, managing emergency cases and overseeing quarantine and isolation protocols. He has played a key role in supporting COVID-19 patients through structured treatment guidance and diet protocols, contributing to effective patient care during the pandemic.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Inhaling a small piece of plastic can potentially cause several issues, depending on where it gets lodged, and whether it causes any obstruction. If the plastic piece is large enough, it can block part of your airway, causing difficulty breathing or choking (blockage of the upper airway, preventing breathing). If the plastic piece reaches your lungs, it can cause aspiration pneumonia (a lung infection caused by inhaling foreign material). Even a small piece can cause irritation, leading to persistent coughing, wheezing (a high-pitched whistling sound during breathing), or discomfort.

Symptoms to watch for

  1. Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.

  2. Persistent coughing or wheezing.

  3. Chest pain or discomfort.

  4. Hoarseness or voice changes.

  5. Fever.

Must get physically examined by a doctor in an emergency.

Stay calm. An X-ray or CT scan (computed tomography scan) might be necessary to locate the plastic piece.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At July 2, 2024
Reviewed At July 2, 2024

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sugandh Garg is a qualified medical professional with an MBBS degree and an MD in Forensic Medicine, with significant experience as a COVID-19 expert. Since March 2020, he has been actively working with the government civil hospital COVID team, managing emergency cases and overseeing quarantine and isolation protocols. He has played a key role in supporting COVID-19 patients through structured treatment guidance and diet protocols, contributing to effective patient care during the pandemic.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Sugandh Garg
Dr. Sugandh Garg

Internal Medicine

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sugandh Garg is a qualified medical professional with an MBBS degree and an MD in Forensic Medicine, with significant experience as a COVID-19 expert. Since March 2020, he has been actively working with the government civil hospital COVID team, managing emergency cases and overseeing quarantine and isolation protocols. He has played a key role in supporting COVID-19 patients through structured treatment guidance and diet protocols, contributing to effective patient care during the pandemic.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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