Most people have experienced that moment of discomfort when they realize a bug has wound up where it shouldn’t be — in their windpipe.

That includes Taylor Swift, who on more than one occasion has accidentally swallowed a bug while performing on stage in front of thousands of people.

It can be a startling and somewhat disgusting occurrence — but is this dangerous, or just a nuisance?

LOCAL DENGUE FEVER CASES CONFIRMED IN FLORIDA KEYS, SPREAD BY MOSQUITO BITES

Dr. Raj Dasgupta, a quadruple board-certified physician in California, shared with Fox News Digital the true impacts of accidentally swallowing a bug, and the best thing to do if it happens.

“Swallowing a bug can often happen accidentally when you’re eating or drinking outside, or if a bug flies into your mouth,” Dasgupta, who serves as chief medical advisor for Fortune Recommends, told Fox News Digital via email.

“It can also happen if you’re talking or laughing outdoors. Sometimes it might even happen indoors if bugs are in your food or drink and you don’t realize it.”

ASK A DOCTOR: ‘HOW CAN I PREVENT SCARRING FROM BUG BITES AND POISON IVY?’

Swallowing a bug is usually not dangerous, Dasgupta noted. 

“The stomach’s digestive acids usually break down the bug, and it is passed out of the body without causing harm,” he said.

“Swallowing a bug can happen accidentally when you’re eating or drinking outside, or if a bug flies into your mouth,” the doctor told Fox News Digital. (iStock)

If the bug carries harmful bacteria or parasites, however, it could cause gastrointestinal issues or allergic reactions, according to the doctor.

The type of bug can make a difference, he said.

“Bugs like beetles or ants are less of a concern, but bugs that are known to spread diseases — such as mosquitoes — might be riskier.”

If you happen to swallow a bug, drinking some water can help wash it down, Dasgupta said. 

Taylor Swift has announced the accidental swallowing of bugs, mid-concert, on more than one occasion. (Marcelo Endelli/TAS23/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management)

“If you start feeling sick, like abdominal pain, vomiting or nausea, keep an eye on your symptoms,” the doctor said.

If you have severe stomach pain, ongoing vomiting, trouble breathing, or swelling, rash or itching, Dasgupta said to see a doctor. 

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

“If you know the bug could have diseases or if you have health conditions that might complicate things, it’s a good idea to get checked out to be safe,” he added.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews/health

Some bugs — including grasshoppers, beetles, termites, mealworms and even stink bugs — are actually considered edible in certain countries, and are prepared and eaten as part of meals, according to WebMD’s website.

Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menu items.

Use escape to exit the menu.

Tracking the UV has become a trend among some young adults — namely members of Gen Z, who are looking for optimal sun exposure.

The UV index is a daily forecast that measures the intensity of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

The numbers range from 1, the lowest exposure, to 11+, which indicates extreme sun exposure.

TANNING PILLS CAN POSE SERIOUS DANGERS, DERMATOLOGISTS WARN: ‘CONSUMERS SHOULD BE AWARE’ 

Many young adults keep track of the UV through weather apps on their smartphones, in hopes that a high number will lead to a better tan — but some health experts are warning of the potential dangers.

Tanning at higher UV levels is more likely to cause damage that can lead to skin cancer, according to Eric D. Whitman, M.D., medical director of Atlantic Health System’s oncology service line in New Jersey.

“While some effects might be seen immediately, such as dark spots and marks, cancer may not become apparent for decades,” he told Fox News Digital.

DOES SUNSCREEN CAUSE SKIN CANCER? DOCTORS DEBUNK CLAIMS GONE WILD ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Exposure to higher UV levels can result in a faster and deeper tan, but this comes at a “significant trade-off of an increased risk of skin cancer,” Whitman warned.

“So, it is important to take precautions when planning to spend time outdoors,” he added.

Exposure to higher UV levels can result in a faster, deeper tan, but it comes at a “significant trade-off of increased risk of skin cancer,” a doctor warned. (iStock)

Dr. Brendan Camp, a Manhattan-based board-certified dermatologist, also shared with Fox News Digital that there is “no such thing as a safe tan.”

Tanning represents the skin’s response to the damaging insult of UV radiation, the doctor noted.

SKIN CANCER CHECKS AND SUNSCREEN: WHY THESE (STILL) MATTER VERY MUCH FOR GOOD HEALTH

“The skin increases pigment or melanin production as a way to protect cellular components, namely DNA, from the effects of UV radiation,” Camp said.

Spending time outdoors when the UV index is high increases the risk of sunburn and sun damage, which can later develop into fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots or skin cancer, according to the dermatologist.

Responsible sunbathing

For safe sun exposure, experts recommend using sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, or after swimming and sweating.

“Prolonged exposure without protection can lead to skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer,” a doctor said. (iStock; Melissa Rudy/Fox News Digital)

Whitman and Camp also suggested wearing protective clothing, using an SPF lip balm, seeking shade and avoiding peak sun hours.

“Especially during summertime, it’s important to pay closer attention to kids to ensure they are properly protected against the sun,” Whitman advised.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Some degree of sun exposure can be healthy due to the vitamin D benefits, he added, but only if limited to brief periods during non-peak hours.

While some may think they look healthier with a tan than without one, Whitman said it’s important to dispel this misconception.

A high UV index can lead to a deeper tan, but also the risk of increased sun damage, experts warn. (iStock)

“Prolonged unprotected sun exposure can potentially increase the risk of skin cancer,” he reiterated.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews/health

Skin cancer can only be diagnosed through regular skin examinations by a health care professional, Whitman noted.

When self-examining the skin, Whitman recommends looking for new or changing spots.

“But these [exams] should never replace a visit to the doctor,” he said. 

“Any irregularities should be promptly evaluated by a health care professional to rule out potential risks or concerns.”