What should I do if I accidentally swallowed a lychee seed?

Eating lychee seeds typically does not cause adverse reactions, and patients need not be overly concerned.

Lychee seeds are generally large in size and possess a hard outer shell, making them indigestible by the stomach and intestines. Their smooth surface usually prevents serious gastrointestinal complications. If concerned about potential adverse effects, one may attempt to induce vomiting shortly after swallowing the seed—for example, by gently stimulating the pharynx with a finger—to expel the seed. If spontaneous expulsion fails, medical consultation is advised; under physician guidance, an endoscopy can be performed to safely remove the seed from the stomach. However, if a small lychee seed has been swallowed for an extended period, it may have already passed beyond the stomach into the lower gastrointestinal tract; in such cases, induced vomiting is unlikely to be effective. Patients need not worry excessively—observation is appropriate, as the seed will likely pass naturally through intestinal peristalsis and be eliminated with stool.

If a lychee seed becomes lodged in the throat, prompt medical attention is essential to prevent complications such as respiratory distress. Additionally, caution should be exercised during meals in daily life to avoid similar incidents.