What Happens If You Swallow Mucus? Is It Safe?

Swallowing mucus is a natural bodily function that helps to keep the throat and digestive tract moist and protected. Mucus is a thick, sticky fluid that is produced by the mucous membranes that line the respiratory and digestive tracts. It traps dust, bacteria, and other foreign particles, and helps to move them out of the body.

In most cases, swallowing mucus is harmless. However, there are some potential risks associated with swallowing mucus, such as:

Infection: Swallowing mucus can introduce bacteria into the digestive tract, which can lead to infection. This is especially true if the mucus is infected with bacteria, such as those that cause strep throat or pneumonia.

Nausea and vomiting: Swallowing large amounts of mucus can cause nausea and vomiting. This is because the mucus can irritate the stomach lining.

Choking: In rare cases, swallowing mucus can lead to choking. This is more likely to occur in people who have difficulty swallowing or who have a weak gag reflex.

What Happens If You Swallow Mucus? The Risks

Risk	Description
Infection	Swallowing mucus can introduce bacteria into the digestive tract, which can lead to infection.
Nausea and vomiting	Swallowing large amounts of mucus can cause nausea and vomiting.
Choking	In rare cases, swallowing mucus can lead to choking.

What Happens If You Swallow Mucus? How to Avoid the Risks

Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated helps to keep the mucus thin and easy to swallow.

Gargle with salt water. Gargling with salt water can help to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation in the throat.

Use a humidifier. A humidifier can help to add moisture to the air, which can help to keep the mucus thin and easy to swallow.

Avoid smoking. Smoking can irritate the mucous membranes and make the mucus thicker and more difficult to swallow.

See a doctor if you have difficulty swallowing mucus. If you have difficulty swallowing mucus, see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Success Stories

A study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine found that people who drank plenty of fluids were less likely to experience respiratory infections.

A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that children who gargled with salt water were less likely to develop strep throat.

A study published in the journal Chest found that people who used humidifiers were less likely to experience asthma symptoms.

Conclusion

Swallowing mucus is a natural bodily function that is usually harmless. However, there are some potential risks associated with swallowing mucus, such as infection, nausea and vomiting, and choking. By following the tips above, you can help to reduce the risks of swallowing mucus.

What Happens If You Swallow Mucus? Is It Safe?