Chapter 1 Ingestion
We note right away that this publication will not focus on activities related to the movement of goods across borders or other checkpoints, in other word a smuggling, but on "forced" ingestion. Such procedure can often be encountered in countries with bans and restrictions on possession some psychoactive substances. Swallowing is a reflex muscular act during which the "package" moves through the pharynx and esophagus into the stomach by muscles contraction and relaxation.
We note right away that this publication will not focus on activities related to the movement of goods across borders or other checkpoints, in other word a smuggling, but on "forced" ingestion. Such procedure can often be encountered in countries with bans and restrictions on possession some psychoactive substances. Swallowing is a reflex muscular act during which the "package" moves through the pharynx and esophagus into the stomach by muscles contraction and relaxation.
1. The nasal cavity is blocked by the soft palate.
2. The epiglottis descends, closing the entrance to the larynx.
3. The "package" is pushed into the esophagus by contractions of the pharynx and opens the upper esophageal sphincter.
4. Breathing stops.
1. The bundle enters the esophagus.
2. Pressure on the walls stimulates peristaltic waves.
3. There is a push to the lower esophageal sphincter.
4. Ingestion in the stomach.
Chapter 2 What Happens to the Swallowed Bundle
The fact is that a large package cannot physically be swallowed. Based on current medical statistics, it can be argued with a probability close to 100% that a small object (which is swallowed) will freely reach the stomach with a "end point" in an anus. The chances of safe foreign body passage is increased when an object has already overcome the esophagus - the most difficult area. The entire process of a passage through the gastrointestinal tract and exit can take 24-72 hours. During the specified period of time, the stool is inspected for a swallowed object detection, which implies the use of a pot or any other container.
Chapter 3 What is dangerous?
Sharp and long foreign bodies, as well as bodies that lead to burns of the esophagus and stomach mucous membranes, objects made of lead, magnets may be dangerous. Speaking of dangerous length, it is assumed a more than 7 cm length and a more than 3 cm width. In most cases, they are able to injure the walls of the esophagus, but do not get stuck in it. Sharp objects can break through the walls and penetrate into other organs. Taking into account the specifics of the publication, there is usually no need to worry about the sharp foreign bodies ingestion, since Ziplocks and adhesive plastic or paper tapes are used for packaging substances, which are easily passed through the gastrointestinal tract. In some cases, a magnet may be attached to the package, used in contactless transfer to secure the package to a metal surface. In such cases, swallowing does not carry any additional danger, but it is worth noting that this is only true for one bundle. Swallowing two or more can provoke intestinal obstruction and / or perforation.
Chapter 4 What to do?
In non-hazardous cases, chapter 2 of this publication should be considered as a guide. Frankly, if nothing bothers you, you can take no actions and just wait, doing the said inspection (or not doing it if the foreign object has no value for you). In addition, actions related to gastric lavage (induction of vomiting), increased peristalsis (taking laxatives), the introduction of water or other liquids like solutions of medicinal substances through the anus (enema) should not be taken. It is allowed to take medicines that bind exo- and endogenous substances in the gastrointestinal tract (Enterosorbents), as well as eating foods rich in fiber (fruits, vegetables, cereals).
In cases of potential danger, emergency endoscopic removal is performed by capturing a foreign body. In some cases, surgical removal is possible.
Chapter 5. When to seek help?
As mentioned above, the chances of a safe passage of a foreign body increase when overcoming the esophagus - the most difficult site, in which, in general, stuck occurs. It is accompanied by difficulty swallowing, pain in the chest and throat, nausea, cough, blood in the saliva, fever. However, it is possible to get stuck not only in the esophagus. In cases where the sticking has occurred further, it is accompanied by pain in the abdomen, bloating, blood in the stool, fever, acute pain during bowel movements.
Chapter 3 What is dangerous?
Sharp and long foreign bodies, as well as bodies that lead to burns of the esophagus and stomach mucous membranes, objects made of lead, magnets may be dangerous. Speaking of dangerous length, it is assumed a more than 7 cm length and a more than 3 cm width. In most cases, they are able to injure the walls of the esophagus, but do not get stuck in it. Sharp objects can break through the walls and penetrate into other organs. Taking into account the specifics of the publication, there is usually no need to worry about the sharp foreign bodies ingestion, since Ziplocks and adhesive plastic or paper tapes are used for packaging substances, which are easily passed through the gastrointestinal tract. In some cases, a magnet may be attached to the package, used in contactless transfer to secure the package to a metal surface. In such cases, swallowing does not carry any additional danger, but it is worth noting that this is only true for one bundle. Swallowing two or more can provoke intestinal obstruction and / or perforation.
Chapter 4 What to do?
In non-hazardous cases, chapter 2 of this publication should be considered as a guide. Frankly, if nothing bothers you, you can take no actions and just wait, doing the said inspection (or not doing it if the foreign object has no value for you). In addition, actions related to gastric lavage (induction of vomiting), increased peristalsis (taking laxatives), the introduction of water or other liquids like solutions of medicinal substances through the anus (enema) should not be taken. It is allowed to take medicines that bind exo- and endogenous substances in the gastrointestinal tract (Enterosorbents), as well as eating foods rich in fiber (fruits, vegetables, cereals).
In cases of potential danger, emergency endoscopic removal is performed by capturing a foreign body. In some cases, surgical removal is possible.
Chapter 5. When to seek help?
As mentioned above, the chances of a safe passage of a foreign body increase when overcoming the esophagus - the most difficult site, in which, in general, stuck occurs. It is accompanied by difficulty swallowing, pain in the chest and throat, nausea, cough, blood in the saliva, fever. However, it is possible to get stuck not only in the esophagus. In cases where the sticking has occurred further, it is accompanied by pain in the abdomen, bloating, blood in the stool, fever, acute pain during bowel movements.