I think I accidentally inhaled a bug, maybe a gnat, anyone know if I will get sick or hurt?
Im pretty sure I accidentally inhaled a bug, not swallowed, but inhaled to my lungs. I didnt cough or anything but Im not sure if I would have . Now Im really worried that the bug will get germs into my airways or make me sick or unable to breathe or something. Does anybody know if that is possible?
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think I accidentally inhaled a bug, maybe a gnat, anyone know if I will get sick or hurt?
(5 posts)-
Posted 2 years ago #
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Possible, yes. Probable, no. Bugs are mostly sterile on the outside of the exoskeleton. Your get diseases and such from being bitten and germs are INSIDE the wound made by the bite. The thing is, the bug is drowning in teh fluids which coat the insides of your airway, which means it is unlikely you will get bitten. Now, the next thing, the bug will die and be still completely intact, and will be carried out of the lungs by the natural movement of the fluids in your lungs until it reaches your mouth and you will likely swallow it along with all the rest of the mucus which comes into the back of your mouth from your lungs and sinuses. In the digestive tract, the stomach acid will begin the breakdown of the exoskeleton and you will digest the bug. Insects are a valuable source of protein in many countries. Personally, I do not eat live insects, but I have had deep fried meal worms when I was overseas in the Far East and they were not all that bad. It was more of a mental problem, than a taste problem I had with the fried worms. It seems that deep fried anything tastes pretty good... as do stir fried anything (even insects) with a load of seasonings and veggies...
Posted 2 years ago # -
You are not going to die. Something as small as a gnat won't cause you to stop breathing. I'm sure lots, if not all of us have eaten/inhaled a lot of bugs in our lifetime. According to some people(I have no idea who originally said this) you eat at least 8 spiders in your lifetime while you're sleeping, so I highly doubt one little gnat is going to do you harm. I wouldn't worry in the least bit, and if you feel you are getting sick or your just uncomfortable about it, go see your doctor. That's what they are there for.
Posted 2 years ago # -
You'll be fine. The human body didn't evolve over a long, long time without being able handle stuff like occasionally inhaling bugs.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Very unlikely. I've inhaled bugs into my lungs several times but no adverse effects. The body will reject bug germs just like it does airborne (aerosol) germs.
Posted 2 years ago #
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