What Happens When Food Goes Into The Lungs?

Posted on Sat, 18 Apr 2015

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

Sat, 18 Apr 2015 Answered on

Tue, 5 May 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I am pretty sure I inhaled a piece of corn. I can breathe fine but coughing hasn't brought it up and I feel I can still feel it stuck my throat. Should I be concerned?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Visit an ENT Specialist Please

Detailed Answer:
Hello

My name is Dr Muhammad Ali Rauf & i will look into your problem.

I have gone through your query and would try to help you in the best possible way. In most of the cases it will not harm BUT its better to once visit an ENT Specialist so that he can examine nostril and if visualized then will remove it with the help of a particular instrument.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it.
Wishing you good health !!

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (37 minutes later)

Sorry, I should have been more clear. I inhaled it into my windpipe it seems. I have been coughing to try to get it out but nothing has come up. Any thoughts?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Mucus lining of respiratory airway will clear it

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Sorry for misinterpretation. You need not to worry. Lung mucus membrane has unique function of releasing mucus which moves upward towards food pipe and all mucus later enters into esophagus. That corn piece will also gradually move up into food pipe and will clear up. You might feel slight discomfort or cough. hopefully no surgical intervention would be required.

Feel free to get back for if you have any query.
Thank You

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