Thread: Popcorn Kernel Shell?

I was eating popcorn today, and I noticed that something was bothering my throat. I figured out that I had a popcorn kernel shell lodged in my throat, and I could constantly feel it in there. I finally managed to get it out somehow, and I saw that it was an actual popcorn kernel shell.

Problem is, even now that it's out, I still feel something bothering my throat. Could it be that TWO popcorn kurnel shells got lodged into my throat and I only got out one? I researched it and it's possible that it might have scratched or cut part of my throat and that's why I feel that there's something there. I'm really worried about this, can anyone help?

This is a joke right?

@jd807 I wouldn't worry about it for now. Chances are you scratched your throat while removing it. Give it some time to heal and if in two weeks or so you still feel the same then I would suggest you go see your doctor.

Your doctor might refer to you an ENT specialist and you'll want to have some of these answers ready.

The doctor will examine you and ask questions about your medical history and symptoms, including:

* Do you have pain when swallowing solids, liquids, or both?
* Is the pain constant or does it come and go?
* Is the pain getting worse?
* Do you have difficulty swallowing?
* Do you have a sore throat?
* Does it feel like there is a lump in the throat?
* Have you inhaled or swallowed any irritating substances?
* What other symptoms do you have?
* What other medical problems do you have?
* What medications do you take?

The following tests may be done:

* Barium swallow and upper GI series
* Chest x-rayChest x-ray
* Esophageal pH monitoring (measures acid in the esophagus)
* Esophageal manometry (measures pressure in the esophagus)
* Neck x-ray (to ensure nothing is there like another kernel)
* Throat culture (to ensure it's not an infection)

I hope this helps and really try not to worry about it. For the next few days try to eat softer things and chew your food carefully before you swallow so it can heal properly.

Same thing happens when you swallow a fish bone, you've scratched your throat, it will heal in a day or three, use a sore-throat anesthetic like cepacol if the pain is affecting your food intake.

Yeah thanks, I woke up today and the pain was gone. Sorry about this thread, I was just really worried because I was told that if I had a popcorn kernel shell stuck in there for more than 2 days it could infect it and swell up, and I would have to go the emergency room. And "Synpa", no it was not a joke, it was a legit question.