Most of us have experienced the discomfort of realizing that a bug has made its way somewhere it shouldn’t be – into your windpipe.
Taylor Swift is one of them, having accidentally swallowed bugs multiple times while performing on stage in front of thousands of people.
It’s a surprising and somewhat unpleasant occurrence, but is it dangerous or just a nuisance?
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Dr. Raj Dasgupta, a quadruple board-certified physician in California, told Fox News Digital that he mistakenly Swallowing insectsAnd that’s the best thing to do if that happens.
“Ingestion of insects often happens accidentally while eating or drinking outdoors or when the insect flies into the mouth,” Dasgupta, chief medical adviser to Fortune Recommendations, told Fox News Digital in an email.
Dr. Raj Dasgupta, a quadruple board-certified physician in California, explains the effects of accidentally swallowing a bug and the best way to deal with it if it happens to you. (Sleep Pris)
“It can happen outdoors while talking or laughing. It can also happen indoors if the bug gets in your food or drink and you don’t notice it.”
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Swallowing insects is not usually dangerous, Dasgupta noted.
“Digestive acids in the stomach normally break down the bacteria and pass them harmlessly out of the body,” he said.
“Swallowing the bug can happen accidentally while eating or drinking outdoors, or when the bug flies into the mouth,” the doctor told Fox News Digital. (iStock)
But doctors say that if the bugs are carrying harmful bacteria or parasites, they can cause gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions.
That could change depending on the type of bug, he said.
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“Insects like beetles and ants are not much of a concern, but insects known to spread disease, like mosquitoes, may be more dangerous.”
If you do swallow a bug, drinking water can make it easier to swallow, Dasgupta says.
Taylor Swift has publicly stated on multiple occasions that she has accidentally swallowed insects while performing. (Marcelo Endelli/TAS23/Getty Images via TAS Rights Management)
“If you start to feel unwell, such as abdominal pain, vomiting or nausea, pay attention to your symptoms,” the doctor said.
Dasgupta recommends seeing a doctor if you experience symptoms like severe stomach pain, persistent vomiting, difficulty breathing, swelling, rash or itching.
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“If you know the bug may have a disease or have a health condition that could make things worse, it’s a good idea to get it tested just to be safe,” he added.
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According to the WebMD website, some insects, such as grasshoppers, beetles, termites, mealworms, and even stink bugs, are actually considered edible in some countries and are cooked and eaten as part of the diet.
