Will I poop out a small piece of plastic?

What Happens If You Swallow a Small Piece of Plastic?

Accidents happen, and realizing you just swallowed a tiny piece of plastic can definitely cause a moment of panic. Fortunately, your body is remarkably resilient when it comes to dealing with small, accidental ingestions.

In most cases, a small piece of plastic will harmlessly pass through your digestive tract without causing any trouble. The journey through your stomach and intestines is usually smooth for tiny, non-sharp items, and your body simply processes it along with everything else.

You can typically expect to see the plastic appear in your stool anywhere within 2 to 3 days. However, everyone's digestion moves at a different pace, so it can sometimes take a little longer to show up.

While a small piece usually isn't a cause for alarm, you should still pay attention to how you feel over the next few days. If you experience severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, difficulty swallowing, or bleeding, you should contact a healthcare professional immediately. If you are ever unsure or if the object was sharp, large, or a battery or magnet, always seek medical advice right away.