What happens if you eat a plum pit?
Oct 11, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
In general, ingesting a plum pit may cause no adverse symptoms, but it could also lead to intestinal injury, indigestion, dental damage, or choking. If the plum pit is small, it may be digested and absorbed by the digestive system without causing any adverse effects, and usually no special treatment is required. However, if obvious discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is recommended to avoid delaying diagnosis and treatment.
Generally, ingesting a plum pit may not cause any adverse symptoms, but it could also lead to intestinal injury, indigestion, dental damage, or choking. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. No adverse symptoms
If the plum pit is small, it may be digested and absorbed by the digestive system without causing any adverse effects, and typically no special treatment is required.
2. Intestinal injury
Plum pits are relatively hard; if accidentally swallowed, they may scratch the intestinal mucosa and cause damage to the intestines.
3. Indigestion
Plum pits are hard seeds containing indigestible fibrous material, which can easily cause indigestion, leading to discomfort such as abdominal pain and bloating.
4. Dental damage
Biting down on a plum pit incorrectly or with excessive force may result in dental injuries, such as cracked or broken teeth.
5. Choking
Plum pits are small and round objects; if accidentally inhaled into the airway, they may cause choking. This risk is particularly higher for infants and young children.
If a person experiences significant discomfort after accidentally swallowing a plum pit, prompt medical attention is recommended to avoid delaying treatment.
