Fish bone does not affect swallowing; occasionally feel its presence at a certain location.
Jun 05, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Gang
Introduction
Fish bones that do not affect swallowing but are occasionally felt may be lodged in areas such as the tonsils, pyriform sinus, or the beginning of the esophagus, and require targeted treatment. Specific analysis is as follows: The tonsils are typically located within the tonsillar fossa on the lateral walls of the oropharynx. They are lymphoepithelial organs, usually oval in shape, with their medial side facing the pharyngeal cavity and covered by mucosa. Foreign bodies commonly become lodged in this location.
Under normal circumstances, fish bones do not affect swallowing. However, if there is occasional discomfort, the bone may be lodged in areas such as the tonsils, piriform sinuses, or the beginning of the esophagus, which require targeted treatment. Specific details are as follows:
1. Tonsils
The tonsils are typically located within the tonsillar fossa on the lateral walls of the oropharynx. As lymphoepithelial organs, they are usually oval-shaped with their medial surface facing the pharyngeal cavity and covered by mucosa. Foreign bodies often become trapped here, so fish bones may lodge in this area. In such cases, the fish bone is usually superficial and can often be dislodged by rinsing the mouth.
2. Piriform Sinuses
The piriform sinuses, located on either side of the laryngeal opening, are common sites where fish bones get stuck. The bone may be lodged in the piriform sinus between the epiglottic wall and the lateral pharyngeal wall. In such cases, you may carefully remove the bone yourself using tweezers to minimize injury.
3. Esophageal Entrance
The esophageal entrance typically refers to the first narrowing of the esophagus, located approximately 15 cm from the upper incisors. This is a common site for fish bones to become lodged. If the fish bone is at the esophageal entrance, it is important to go to the hospital, where a doctor can use specialized instruments to safely remove it.
Besides the above locations, occasional sensations without difficulty swallowing may indicate that the fish bone is lodged in other areas such as the lateral pharyngeal wall, base of the tongue, or epiglottis. It is recommended to visit a hospital for a thorough examination by a physician to determine the exact location of the fish bone and receive appropriate treatment.
