Pencil swallowing

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Graphite poisoning; Swallowing pencils

Graphite is relatively nonpoisonous. There may be no symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they may include stomachache and vomiting.

The person may choke while swallowing the pencil. This can cause symptoms such as repeated coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath or rapid breathing. See: Choking

Sometimes, children will place a a piece of a pencil in their nose. This can cause symptoms such as nose pain and drainage, and breathing problems.

Review Date: 02/01/2010
Reviewed By: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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