Gave my 2 year old popcorn!

[DeloresAmelia]

Hi,

I posted this to Reddit earlier:

We went to the cinema cinema with my 2 year old who grabbed his big brothers popcorn and ate it before I noticed. The. I stupidly let him have some, i was so stressed today and not thinking properly. I didn’t realised it was so dangerous. I’ve just read that it can go into their lungs at that age and that some kids have trouble days after eating it. I’m so scared now. Has anyone’s toddler been her eaten popcorn and been ok?

I was shocked at the responses I got. Most people either told me they give their 2 year old popcorn all the time or that I seriously need therapy and should contact my doctor right away.

I will never give my son popcorn again, I feel so stupid now, but does anyone know what I’m talking about when I say that it can cause problems the next day? I read that bits can get into the lungs and cause infection.

Are you getting confused with ‘popcorn lung’ from vaping ?

I’ve given a one year old popcorn before

I thought it was more of a choking risk rather than going into the lungs?

Honestly OP, I’d rethink which internet sites you’re using for medical advice. I can see there could potentially be a choking hazard with popcorn, but food can’t transfer from your stomach to your lungs the day after eating it.

I presume this is what she means about going into the lungs. It is an inhalation/choking risk.
I can't say I ever worried about it though.

Reddit is full of absolute nonsense.

Your kid will be absolutely fine now that it’s done but yes don’t give it again as it’s a big choking risk, and also risk of aspiration. It’s fine now but now you know for next time ☺️

It doesn't transfer the day after, but can be inhaled into the lungs and not show signs it has caused a problem until later. It is unlikely to cause a complete blockage but inhalation of tiny pieces could cause an inhalation pneumonia.
It is very rare problem.

It's a bit of an over reaction. All of mine have had popcorn and I've never even considered it a chocking risk. If I had I still don't think I would freak out and post on a forum about it. How do these people function in the real world. My lord

It is possible to inhale small amounts into the lungs (aspiration), which can lead to bacterial infections, which is why popcorn is not recommended for children under 5. But you would have probably noticed your toddler coughing if this happened when they ate it. Just keep an eye out for coughing or wheezing, but don't panic - it's highly unlikely anything like this has happened. It's just that popcorn is a higher risk for this happening than other foods. But doesn't mean it is likely to have happened with your child. Just avoid it for a few more years.

Popcorn is one of the choking ‘no-nos’ Just don’t do it again

There is a risk of both choking and aspiration (bits inhaled into the lungs that can fester). Same as nuts, which is why both are not recommended for under 5s.

It's not that, it's a kid at Disney land who, whilst eating popcorn, took a breath and inhaled some of the dusting on the popcorn. That sat in her lungs and caused an infection. I can't remember if she sadly died or was close to death but either way, there was a horror story shared online about popcorn being really dangerous for young children.

I think about it every time my 8 year old eats popcorn, it probably lying wasn't even true.

They function by seeking advice, either online or in real life. Which it sounds like you might also benefit from, if you've never considered popcorn a choking risk, which is actually very well known.

why is it more of a choking risk than other foods?

is it because it is light and more lightly to be inhaled?

I don’t allow my kids to have lollipops, due to the choking risk, but I haven’t really considered popcorn as being particularly dangerous

No more than MN is.

I used to give mine plain popcorn when they were 2, my youngest is 10 now so things might have changed, but it was a recommended snack back then!

It is actually a choking hazard and not recommended for small children.

Well I had no idea that this was a hazard when mine were growing up, and all survived.

Once you know it can be a rare problem, avoid. But for now I would stop worrying unless you see something to worry about.

Popcorn is a bit of a choking hazard but eating popcorn doesn't = instant death sentence.

You would know if he had choked on some!

Op is concerned about aspiration, not choking.

Which you would notice at the time!

Not necessarily.