Possible inhalation of a kernel of corn

[weewow]

Similar to another question posted here, I think I accidentally inhaled a kernel of corn this evening , although I am not sure. My gag reflex was not triggered, but the kernel entered my throat rapidly as I was inhaling through my mouth; I don't recall swallowing as a reflex, either. I don't think I am having symptoms, although I feel a slight irritation/lump in my throat as I attempted to "cough it out" forcefully several times.

Waht symptoms should I expect in the event that the kernel of corn did indeed enter my airway, instead of going down my esophagus? Can the lungs eventually eject a food particle as dense as a kernel of corn with the skin intact? I has a bout of strep throat last week (secondary to being intubated for a laparoscopic procedure). I am otherwise very healthy.


This discussion is related to Possible Food Aspiration..

[crystalfresh]

If you inhaled the corn I don't think you would be wondering if you did. Something that large would cause quite a bit of choking.

If you chocked just once you probably cleared it. The weight of the food would generally fall to the back where if can fall all on it's own with out swallowing and not in to your breathing tube.

In any event, your lungs do clean them selves out. Something this large would eventually break down and be carried out. But you would would seriously feel it if you did inhale it. I have inhaled small bits of food. Wow, do I feel it and have always been able to chock it out. No mistake.

But I am not a doctor, so this is only my opinion.

[danielo]

I inhaled crusted salmon with pinenuts and sundried tomatoes on Jan 3rd and since I am uninsured I have had to live with this. I have constant shortness of breath, sweating, and light pains throughout my throat and chest. I just got a strept infection 2 weeks ago which I will have to go back to the primary care doctor for. I have trouble sleeping 4-5 nights a week and when I do sleep better it is because I am making up for what I lost. I am finally going to hopefully be insured by April 1st and am seeing a throat,nose, and ear doctor. I hope it can be easily removed wherever in my system it went as I know it has to be a pinenut salmon would be long ago rotted away I imagine. I hope you were taken care of and the corn kernal is gone.