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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Could Swallowing A Plastic Fork Tine Cause Chest And Stomach Discomfort, And What Should I Do?

hello, I accidentally believe I swallowed a tine from my plastic fork while eating lunch today. I did not measure the size but it appeared to be the whole tine of the fork missing. I have been experiences some mild pain and discomfort in my chest and stomach. I am worried that the discomfort is from swallowing the piece of the fork and am worried about it. Please advise on what I should do.
posted on Sun, 12 May 2024
Twitter Wed, 2 Jul 2025 Answered on
Twitter Sun, 3 Aug 2025 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

Although you are not sure you might have swallowed the entire tine from your plastic fork, I think the discomfort you are feeling in your chest and stomach is partially related to this. To my opinion, what you consumed at lunch is mostly causing this discomfort.

Anyway, I advise to drink plenty of water, and move more around to increase the speed of your bowels movements, so it would remove the plastic tine faster.

Antacids will also help ease the discomfort. If none of these will work, then, I highly recommend to schedule an urgent appointment with gastroenterologist and perform upper endoscopy or any other intervention to remove the plastic tine from your intestines.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Albana Sejdini, General & Family Physician
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Could Swallowing A Plastic Fork Tine Cause Chest And Stomach Discomfort, And What Should I Do?

Hello, Although you are not sure you might have swallowed the entire tine from your plastic fork, I think the discomfort you are feeling in your chest and stomach is partially related to this. To my opinion, what you consumed at lunch is mostly causing this discomfort. Anyway, I advise to drink plenty of water, and move more around to increase the speed of your bowels movements, so it would remove the plastic tine faster. Antacids will also help ease the discomfort. If none of these will work, then, I highly recommend to schedule an urgent appointment with gastroenterologist and perform upper endoscopy or any other intervention to remove the plastic tine from your intestines. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Albana Sejdini, General & Family Physician