Here's what happens if you accidentally swallow a bug

Let's face it, most people do not intend to knowingly swallow bugs or flies, but with the amount of giant flying insects invading homes, or sporadic instances of supermarkets not following adequate food preparing guidelines with parents finding bugs in toddler's meal, accidentally swallowing a bug could happen now and then.

Bugs are indeed a routine part of life, and can never be totally avoided. In fact, did you know that there are bugs in your urine?

If you have ever accidentally swallowed a bug, or are afraid it might happen some day, here's what happens when a bug gets inside your body.

What if you inhale a bug?

As per BBC Science Focus, if you have accidentally inhaled an insect, and are worried about what could be happening in your lungs, here's what you should know.

First of all, our airways have naturally built defences against this situation. The airway of our lungs, or trachea is coated with mucus, which should trap any small insect. This will prevent the bug from entering out airways. Again, the trachea is sensitive to any such contact, which would produce a coughing fit that should help eject any intruder.

Even with this mechanism, if an insect does happen to get inside, which could only happen if an individual is drugged or unconscious, the insect would be unable to survive inside the lungs and would die.

However, the dead insect could lead to an infection, which could cause a serious condition called aspiration pneumonia, which needs to be address by a physician.

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What if you accidentally swallow an insect?

Mayo Clinic quotes Bobbi Pritt, M.D., a microbiologist, pathologist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, who says,

Eating a bug now and then probably won’t be a problem for most.

So, if you happen to accidentally swallow a bug, it's generally not a big deal. The bug won't survive inside you for too long. In fact, many cultures consider different types of insects to be food, and they also happen to be rich in protein.

However, swallowing some insects could lead to bad consequences. Bugs such as bees, wasps, fire ants, and some types of caterpillars can cause swelling or pain if they sting you.

Again, if you happen to have an allergy to the insect you accidentally swallowed, it could lead to you experiencing hives, swelling of the face, throat, or mouth; difficulty breathing, dizziness, a drop in blood pressure and could even be fatal. Seek medical help in such cases.

The report also informs that ingesting bugs like certain types of beetles, can also cause tapeworm. So, whether swallowing an insect proves harmful or not depends on what kind of insect it is.

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Sources used:

BBC Science Focus: ' Here’s what happens if you accidentally inhale a bug'

Mayo Clinic: ' Should You Worry if You Accidentally Swallow an Insect?'