I accidentally swallowed my chewing gum. Is that bad?

In most cases, it is not bad to swallow a gum. The human body cannot digest gum, but it can usually easily transport it through the digestive tract and leave it after a few days. Here are some important points:

### What happens when you swallow a gum?

– **Transport through the digestive tract**: The gum is moved through the digestive tract and finally excreted. This usually takes a few days.

– **No digestion** The body cannot split or absorb the components of the gum (such as gum base, sugar, sweeteners, flavors).

### Possible risks

**Constipation**: If very large amounts of chewing gum are swallowed or chewing gum is swallowed together with other indigestive objects, it could theoretically result in a blockade in the digestive tract. However, this is extremely rare and usually occurs only in small children.

– **Symptome monitor**: If after swallowing a gum, abdominal pain, vomiting or other unusual symptoms occur, a doctor should be consulted.

### What should you do?

– Rest**: In most cases there is no need to worry. The gum is likely to be excreted naturally.

– **Precautionary measures in children**: Parents should ensure that small children do not swallow gum because their digestive systems are more sensitive and the risk of blockage can be higher.

### When to go to the doctor?

– **Consequent symptoms**: If after swallowing a gum persistent abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation or other complaints occur, medical advice should be sought.

– **Family swallow**: If someone regularly swallows gum, this should be discussed with a doctor to avoid possible long-term effects.

In general, the one-time swallowing of a gum is not a reason to worry, but it is nevertheless advisable to make sure that it does not become a habit.