What Should Be Done After Swallowing A Chewing Gum?

Posted on Sun, 29 Jun 2014

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

Sun, 29 Jun 2014 Answered on

Fri, 25 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I was chewing some gum and laying down and suddenly I gasp in a lot of air and the gum feels like its stuck in my air pipe but I could breath fine but swallowed and then I don't know where it went I keep trying to cough it up to see if that works and if its even stuck in my throat

Answered by Dr. Deepashree (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
You have swallowed it.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for your query.
If you have swallowed the chewing gum and it's gone into the stomach.
If it is in wind pipe, it will choke you and you will be unable to breath.
Once you swallow you can't cough it.
so don't worry, drink lots of water.
If you still feel it's stuck in throat, then it can be removed by the specialist via endoscope.
Do not worry you will be fine.
Hope my answers have helped you. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T