What Happens After You Swallow Gum?

Dr TK Anand, Senior Consultant and Clinical Lead of Medical Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Services at MGM Malar, Chennai, explains that gum is designed to be soft and chewable, but not easily broken down. He states, Chewing gums are engineered to be challenging to masticate, inhibiting their disintegration similar to food in the stomach.

Still, that doesn’t mean it stays there forever. Like anything else, gum goes through your digestive system when you consume it.It first goes to the stomach and then to the intestines. Dr. Anand states, Digestive enzymes and secretions from the pancreas endeavor to Dissolve it. While the gum base can’t be processed by digestion, the body expels it naturally

In sum, gum isn’t absorbed by the body, yet it is easily eliminated.

Is Swallowing Gum Dangerous?

Not usually. Dr. Anand asserts that the likelihood of experiencing health complications is exceedingly low when it pertains to gum that has been consumed. In the majority of healthy individuals, gum that is swallowed passes through the digestive tract undigested and exits the other end in the feces.

Problems with the digestive system, such as a bowel blockage or a motility disorder, or Swallowing a large amount of gum rapidly is a common cause of rare complications. As long as there isn’t any intestinal pathology, it’s going to be fine, Dr.Anand says.

Therefore, you should be fine unless you’ve ingested a huge piece of gum or suffer from a digestive disorder.

What Should You Do Right After Swallowing Gum?

Honestly, nothing dramatic. Dr. Anand adds that, in most cases, you shouldn’t be worried. Just carry on as usual. You can eat and drink normally. Provide reassurance to yourself or the individual who ingested the gum. It is anticipated to traverse the system within one to two days.

Additionally, be vigilant for any indications of trouble. It is recommended that the individual seek medical attention if they have persistent nausea, vomiting, or constipation. However, everything ought to be alright unless there are any strange symptoms or pain. These kids had ingested a lot of gum, which raised the likelihood of a blockage when combined with other things like sunflower seeds or coins. According to the research, problems can arise, but they are more commonly caused by excessive or repetitive gum ingestion, rather than a single incident.

Should Kids Be Allowed to Chew Gum?

Their ability to comprehend the importance of not swallowing it is directly related to their age. Avoiding gum altogether or closely supervising younger children while they chew could be safer options. One piece isn’t toxic for kids, but ingesting it over and over could be bad. Therefore, it is vital to teach kids at a young age that gum is not food.

Conclusion

Taking a big breath can help if you’ve swallowed gum by accident. It is well within your physical capabilities. Typically, it will be absorbed by your body in the same way as any Another partially digested substance would. If you don’t have any pain or detect any unusual symptoms, there’s usually no need to be worried or see a doctor right away. Also, remember that urban legend about the long-lasting effects of gum on the digestive system? Put it out of your mind now.