Concerns About Swallowing Foreign Objects: What to Know After Biting Down

Biting a black stone?

Hello, doctor.
While I was having dinner, I bit into a mouthful of rice and suddenly heard a small cracking sound, thinking I had broken a tooth.
I quickly spat it out and found a small black object that looked like a stone.
Initially, my family thought it was quinoa mixed in with the rice, but upon closer inspection, they said it didn’t seem to be that.
Although I believe I hadn’t swallowed it since I spat it out right away, I did bite into it, which is why I heard the sound.
I’m concerned that I might have accidentally crushed it and that it could have gone into my esophagus and down into my stomach.
My family reassured me that it was likely just a sound from biting it and that it didn’t break, telling me not to worry, as stones aren’t that soft.
I just simulated pinching it hard with my fingernail, and it sounded similar to the noise I heard while eating.
My brother joked that it was like a small bone and that swallowing it wouldn’t cause any harm, calling me silly for worrying.
As long as it didn’t get stuck in my throat, I should be fine.
However, if it did happen to break and went into my stomach, I’m worried it could lead to gastric bleeding.
My family insists that I don’t need to see a doctor and that I’m overreacting, saying that if it were really there, it would be expelled with food.
Currently, I don’t feel any discomfort.
I’d like to ask the doctor if I’m being too anxious.
Although the likelihood of it going down is greater, would drinking more milk help protect my stomach? Thank you.

Xiao Tong, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/11/19

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine

Hello, as long as it is not a sharp object, such as a fishbone or small stones, it is unlikely to cause any issues since most of it will pass through the digestive system and be excreted in the stool.
Therefore, if there are no specific symptoms, you can observe the situation with peace of mind, and it should not lead to gastric bleeding.
Regarding drinking milk, it may have limited benefits; instead, drinking a bit more water might be more helpful.
Thank you for your question.

Reply Date: 2020/11/19

More Info

It sounds like you had a concerning experience while eating, and it's completely understandable to feel anxious about the possibility of swallowing a foreign object. Let's break down your situation and address your concerns.

First and foremost, it’s important to note that if you did not swallow the object and were able to spit it out immediately, the risk of it causing harm is significantly reduced. The sound you heard when biting down could have been the object itself, and if it was indeed a hard object like a small stone or something similar, it’s unlikely that it would have broken into smaller pieces upon biting. Most foreign objects that are accidentally ingested will either pass through the digestive system without causing harm or will be expelled naturally.

Ingesting a small, hard object can be concerning, but the human body is quite resilient. If the object is small and smooth, it is likely to pass through your gastrointestinal tract without causing any issues. However, if the object is sharp or large, there could be a risk of it causing an obstruction or injury to the digestive tract, which could lead to complications such as bleeding or perforation.
Given that you are currently feeling fine and have no symptoms such as pain, difficulty swallowing, or gastrointestinal distress, it is a good sign. However, it’s always wise to monitor your condition. If you start to experience any unusual symptoms, such as abdominal pain, vomiting, or blood in your stool, you should seek medical attention immediately.

As for your question about drinking milk to protect your stomach, while milk can provide a soothing effect for some people, it does not specifically prevent or protect against the ingestion of foreign objects. It’s more important to stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet. If you are feeling anxious, practicing relaxation techniques or talking to someone about your concerns can also be helpful.

In summary, while it’s natural to feel worried after such an incident, the likelihood of serious complications from swallowing a small, hard object is low, especially if you are not experiencing any symptoms. However, if you have any lingering concerns or if your symptoms change, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional for peace of mind and appropriate care.

Similar Q&A

What to Do If You Accidentally Swallow a Tooth While Eating?

If you accidentally swallow a tooth while eating, there is generally no need to panic. The tooth will likely pass through your digestive system without causing any harm. However, it is important to monitor for any unusual symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, or difficulty s...

Dr. Qiu Qiongyao reply Dentistry
Please go to the hospital for an abdominal X-ray to check if the tooth has been expelled from the body or if it is lodged in the intestines.

Concerns About Swallowing a Toothpick: What You Need to Know

Hello, doctor. Two weeks ago, while helping a colleague with some items, I may have accidentally ingested something. During that time, I was experiencing persistent discomfort in my head and have a habit of biting on a toothpick to relieve some of the tension, which might be caus...

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, A 32-year-old male is concerned about accidentally swallowing a toothpick. While some toothpicks may pass through the digestive tract without issue, a small portion can cause perforation and inflammation, such as mediastinitis or purulent peritonitis. Symptoms typically ...

Concerns About Swallowing Nail Clippings: When to Seek Medical Help

Hello Doctor, the day before yesterday while trimming my nails, a nail fragment flew up and I wasn't sure if it went into my mouth and was swallowed. I'm a bit worried now. Could you please answer the following questions: 1. What happens if I swallow a nail fragment? 2....

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello, if there are no obvious symptoms such as throat pain or fever, you can start by self-monitoring. Most ingested items will typically pass through the digestive system and be excreted without causing symptoms. However, if you experience any discomfort, it is advisable to see...

Potential Health Risks of Inadvertently Swallowing Metal Fragments

Today, while eating zhajiangmian at a noodle shop, I encountered a small piece of metal wire towards the end of my meal. I had been eating quickly and am concerned that there might have been more pieces that I didn't notice and could have accidentally swallowed. If I did acc...

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, it is important to focus while eating. If you accidentally swallow a small wire and do not notice it, there is no need to panic. Just pay attention to any symptoms. Most individuals with normal gastrointestinal anatomy will naturally expel swallowed foreign objects. Howeve...