What Should Be Done After Swallowing Plastic Chips?

Posted on Fri, 24 Jul 2015

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

Fri, 24 Jul 2015 Answered on

Mon, 10 Aug 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My daughter claims to have swallowed 3 plastic bingo chips, the size of a quarter. She has had no discomfort, trouble breathing, and ate a normal lunch. Should I just wait it out until they pass?

Answered by Dr. Neel Kudchadkar (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
There is no danger. The chips will be excreted naturally by the bowels.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,

If your daughter reports swallowing plastic chips, and there are no issues of cough or choking, then this means that the chips have gone down her food pipe, instead of her wind pipe. Given these facts, I would suggest that you wait and watch as she is not in any danger. The chips, being the size of a quarter will be excreted by normal bowel movements so there should be no issues there either. Of any obstruction in the intestine that is. Since the chips are of plastic, they will not react or chemically interact with the contents of her intestines and gut. For all these reasons you should lower your apprehensions and let nature take it's course. Be vigilant and composed.

Feel free to express any doubts or other related health issues.

Thanks,
Dr. Neel Kudchadkar

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar