Maryland doctor issues glass straw safety warning

A Maryland-based physician has issued a stark warning about glass straws, cautioning that undetected chips or cracks can cause serious internal injuries — including cuts to the throat and oesophagus and, in rare cases, punctures to the digestive tract.

The hidden danger in glass straws

Dr Kunal Sood, a Maryland-based Physician specialising in Anaesthesiology and Interventional Pain Medicine, raised the concern in an Instagram post on Monday. While plastic straws have fallen out of favour due to environmental concerns, and alternatives such as paper, metal, and glass straws each carry their own drawbacks, Dr Sood highlighted a specific and underappreciated risk unique to glass versions. "The issue with glass straws is not that every glass straw is automatically unsafe. The real danger is a tiny chip or crack you don't notice until it breaks in your mouth. Once glass fractures, those small pieces can become sharp, foreign bodies," he said.

What swallowed glass can do to the body

Glass fragments, even small ones, carry serious risks once inside the body. "If swallowed, they can scratch or cut the lips, tongue, throat, oesophagus, stomach, or intestines. Most small swallowed objects pass without a problem. But sharp glass is different because it can lodge, cut tissue or in rare cases, puncture the digestive tract," Dr Sood noted. He also flagged an inhalation risk: "There's also an airway risk. If a fragment is inhaled instead of swallowed, it can cause choking, coughing, or trouble breathing," he added.

The one rule every glass straw user must follow

Dr Sood's guidance for safe glass straw use is straightforward and non-negotiable. "The practical rule is simple: If a glass straw has been dropped, chipped, cracked, or feels rough, stop using it and replace it. And I'd be especially careful using one in situations where it could hit your teeth or mouth suddenly, like in a moving car," he said.

When to seek urgent medical attention

Dr Sood outlined clear warning signs that require immediate medical care following potential glass exposure. "If someone develops throat pain, trouble swallowing, vomiting blood, chest pain, abdominal pain, black stools, or breathing symptoms after possible glass exposure, that person needs urgent medical care," he said.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.