What to Do If You Swallow a Piece of Taco Shell and It Feels Like It Went Down the Wrong Side

Ever wondered what to do if you accidentally swallow a piece of taco shell, and it feels like it went down the wrong side, into your left side? You’re not alone. This can be a concerning incident and you may be worried about the potential complications. Here's what you need to know to handle the situation effectively.

Understanding the Risk

When you accidentally swallow a piece of food, especially something as hard as a taco shell, your body will naturally try to protect itself. Typically, this would involve coughing to expel the item or bringing it down the correct path. If you felt pain or discomfort, it's quite possible that your esophagus or throat might be irritated or abraded.

The Potential Complications

Windpipe Involvement: If anything had gone down your windpipe (trachea), you would likely have been experiencing severe coughing. Lung Compromise: If a foreign object entered your lungs, you might have developed a chronic cough or experienced other symptoms such as fever or difficulty breathing. No Immediate Symptoms: However, if you are not experiencing any severe symptoms like coughing, fever, or difficulty breathing, it is generally safe to assume that the object is not causing significant harm.

It's important to be aware of any changes in your breathing or discomfort, as these could indicate a more serious issue. If you notice any unusual symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Expert Opinions and Recommendations

Swallowing Disorder Specialist: A swallowing disorder specialist would likely diagnose the situation based on your symptoms. They might recommend the following actions:

Coughing: They would suggest you try to cough the object out, as your body is still attempting to expel it. Diet Modification: Drinking cold fluids like water or tea can help soothe the irritation and potentially wash down the object. Smaller Bites: They would advise taking smaller, more manageable bites in the future to prevent similar incidents from occurring again.

Experts have emphasized the importance of the first phase of digestion, which is chewing. Taking smaller bites and chewing thoroughly is crucial to prevent such incidents in the future.

Professional Intervention

It's important to note that if you're experiencing significant discomfort or persistent symptoms, professional intervention is necessary. Here are some scenarios where medical attention is recommended:

If the pain persists for an extended period. If you develop a fever or experience difficulty swallowing. If you start coughing up phlegm or notice changes in your voice.

In some cases, medical personnel might recommend a doctor's visit or emergency department consultation, as was the case for the individual who swallowed his girlfriend's earring.

Conclusion

In summary, if you accidentally swallow a piece of taco shell and feel discomfort or pain on your left side, it's crucial to monitor the situation. Most of the time, the body will handle the situation on its own with minimal irritation. However, taking smaller bites, drinking plenty of water, and being cautious in the future can help prevent complications. If symptoms persist or worsen, see a healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment.