How To Dislodge Chewing Gum Stuck In Respiratory Tract?

Posted on Mon, 30 Nov 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 30 Nov 2015 Answered on

Mon, 21 Dec 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My 4 year old son says he swallowed gum while coughing and it has gone to his heart which he says hurts 3 hrs later. I am concerned that he might have inhaled it during the coughing episode. Is this possible?

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Take the child to the ER without delay.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on Health care magic.

I have gone through your query and understand your concerns. While ingesting a foreign body it may accidentally enter the respiratory tract and get lodged there (not in the heart - not possible) causing chest discomfort and respiratory problems. This is highly possible and requires medical attention at the earliest.

I would insist you to take the child to the ER without delay.

Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar