What Happens When You Accidentally Swallow an Insect? Being Mindful of Wasps and Tropical Countries

There are many websites claiming that everyone swallows an insect at some point, especially while asleep. There is no hard evidence for that. But you may have accidentally swallowed an animal on your bike or during a walk in nature.

Wasps

Or is that dangerous? That depends entirely on which insect it is, says medical entomologist Bart Knols. “If you get a hornet in your throat, then of course you have a problem.” It also depends on whether and how allergic you are. “Then it can be life-threatening, but that is extremely rare.”

If you accidentally swallow a wasp, it can cause swelling in your esophagus and close off the airways. As a result, you may suffocate. The Red Cross therefore advises calling 112 immediately after swallowing a wasp.

You don’t have to worry about something like a small fly. It may not be a tasty idea, but in most cases your body simply digests such critters. Other than that it doesn’t cause any problems.

Tropical countries

Although in certain countries you have to be careful. Especially in tropical countries, says Knols. “There it sometimes happens that insects transmit cholera, for example. Diseases can also be transmitted via faeces. Then something can happen.”

Something you certainly don’t have to fear is that the insect will continue to live and reproduce in your stomach. “Your stomach is often too acidic for an insect to survive in.”