HomeAnswersInternal Medicineintestinal disordersI swallowed a piece of plastic fork. Please help.

Swallowed a piece of plastic fork. Will it dissolve and pass through?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At August 8, 2016
Reviewed AtJanuary 23, 2024

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

About 9 hours ago, I swallowed a 1 inch piece of plastic fork. Will it damage my intestine, colon or anus? Or will it dissolve and pass through? Please explain.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com. Plastic is inert and indigestible. Hence, it will pass down the digestive tract unabsorbed and unknowingly in the stool. However, if the fork tine you have consumed is sharp, then there is a probability of it getting stuck or piercing intestinal wall. If you have any symptoms like abdominal pain, constipation or vomiting or melena, then visit the emergency room (ER). Otherwise, you can stay cool and just have more water and fiber diet, which will help in enhancing intestinal motility and throwing out in poop. Also, you have to be more careful and never repeat that again.

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

Dr. Geetha Priyadarsini Kamminana
Dr. Geetha Priyadarsini Kamminana

Internal Medicine

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Internal Medicine

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy