Health Risks of Swallowing Glass: Internal Injuries & Infections

Swallowing broken glass is a medical emergency with serious potential complications:

• Internal injuries: Cuts/tears in mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, intestines causing pain, bleeding, inflammation.
• Infection: Glass fragments introduce bacteria, increasing infection risk.
• Blockages: Sharp pieces obstruct the digestive tract, leading to pain, constipation, nausea.
• Perforation: Glass can puncture digestive organ walls, causing peritonitis (abdominal cavity inflammation).
• Internal bleeding: Deep lacerations may cause significant hemorrhage.
• Toxic chemical reactions: Some glass contains heavy metals or chemicals that can leach into the bloodstream.

Severity depends on fragment size, shape, quantity, and timeliness of medical intervention. Seek immediate emergency care if glass ingestion is suspected. Do not induce vomiting.