What to do if watermelon gets stuck in the throat

When watermelon becomes lodged in the throat, management options typically include drinking plenty of water, performing the Heimlich maneuver, or seeking prompt medical attention.

1. Drink Plenty of Water

If only a small piece of watermelon is stuck in the throat and causes only a sensation of a foreign body—without associated symptoms such as choking, shortness of breath, or respiratory distress—drinking ample water may help facilitate its passage downward and alleviate symptoms.

2. Heimlich Maneuver

If the watermelon fragment causes significant respiratory difficulty or chest tightness, the Heimlich maneuver should be performed immediately. The rescuer stands behind the affected person, wraps their arms around the person’s waist, and delivers firm, upward abdominal thrusts. This action elevates the diaphragm and increases intra-abdominal pressure, thereby expelling the obstructing object and relieving symptoms.

3. Seek Prompt Medical Attention

In cases where watermelon is lodged in the throat and the situation is urgent, immediate medical evaluation is essential. Under physician guidance, endoscopy will be used to precisely locate the watermelon fragment, followed by removal using specialized instruments such as forceps or foreign-body retrieval tools.