Bubble gum clogs stomachs across the country

There’s nothing like the sinking feeling when a piece of chewing gum escapes the confines of your mouth and slides down your throat. Mistakes happen to everyone, but unfortunately, these small mishaps can be life threatening. For decades, grandparents and parents alike have warned their children about swallowing chewing gum. Recent reports and studies from reputable sources indicate that there is legitimacy to these stirring claims. 

In 2022, Harvard Health reported that 70 percent of all children struggling with digestive issues actually had a severe intestinal bubblegum obstruction. Researchers concluded that because gum components are resistant to the digestive enzymes of the stomach, these sticky elements are able to bind to the intestinal lining, creating a permanent barrier that can only be surgically removed. Repeatedly swallowing gum will cause an accumulation in the tract, with some X-ray scans showing gum obstructions the size of a baseball. The reported symptoms from such obstructions have ranged from hair loss, belly button pain, seizures, loss of appetite, brain freezes and, occasionally, sudden death. 

Due to the alarming nature of the reported side effects and the common presence of these blockages, panicked individuals around the country are throwing away their gum. Instagram activists are not far behind, warning their audience about the dangers of swallowing gum and calling for a national recall, #burnthedoublebubble. Small protests have also sprung up in several cities like Boston and Denver, calling on the FDA to respond to these new findings. Finally, weeks after bubblegum paranoia swept the nation, the President of the United States hosted a press conference to address the gum-related fears of the public. He stated that his “thoughts and prayers are with the families that have been affected by the chewing gum crisis.” He also responded that he would be instating strict national recalls and regulations for all chewing gum products, promising that by the summer of 2022 gum would be eradicated from stores. 

Most doctors have been very supportive of the government restrictions on chewing gum. Dr. Howard from Boston’s Children’s Hospital stated, “I’m relieved to see the country taking serious actions against this food item that has been proven to cause serious harm to youth, it’s critical that we protect the younger generation.” Since the recalls, no more serious gum-related fatalities or impacts have been recorded, leading the nation to believe that the worst of the crisis has already passed. Educating individuals about the importance of a gum-free society is now at the forefront of most activist endeavors. 

By Nicole Hardt