What should I do if a chicken bone gets stuck in my throat?
Dec 27, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the throat refers to the pharynx. If a chicken bone becomes lodged in the throat, the following measures may be taken to alleviate the situation: stop eating and drinking, attempt self-induced vomiting, use tweezers to remove the bone, seek medical attention for laryngoscopic examination, or undergo surgical treatment. When handling such emergencies, it is essential to remain calm and rational, avoiding improper self-help measures that may worsen the injury.
Generally speaking, the throat refers to the pharynx. If a chicken bone becomes lodged in the throat, the following methods may be used for relief: stop eating and drinking, attempt self-induced vomiting, remove the bone with forceps, seek medical attention for laryngoscopy, or undergo surgical treatment. A detailed explanation is as follows:
1. Stop Eating and Drinking
The first step is to immediately stop eating and drinking in order to avoid further pushing the chicken bone deeper or causing additional injury.
2. Attempt Self-Induced Vomiting
If the chicken bone is small or lodged in a higher position, you can try repeatedly performing swallowing motions to induce vomiting, which may effectively expel the chicken bone. However, if this method proves ineffective after several attempts, it should be stopped immediately to avoid causing bleeding or further injury to the throat area.
3. Remove the Bone with Forceps
If the chicken bone is lodged in a more superficial location, such as the pharynx or tonsils, under another person's assistance, medical forceps may be used to try to remove it. However, this method requires a certain level of skill and professional knowledge. Improper operation may cause further injury, so it is recommended that this be performed under a doctor's guidance whenever possible.
4. Seek Medical Attention and Undergo Laryngoscopy
If self-treatment proves ineffective, immediate medical attention should be sought at an otorhinolaryngology (ENT) department. The doctor will use professional instruments such as a laryngoscope to examine the area and remove the chicken bone according to its location and size. This may require topical anesthesia to reduce the patient's pain and discomfort.
5. Surgical Treatment
If the chicken bone is lodged deeply, such as in the esophagus or near large blood vessels, or if it has already caused severe mucosal damage and bleeding, surgery involving an incision may be required to remove the bone. This is the most serious and complex scenario, and must be evaluated and managed by a qualified physician.
When dealing with such emergencies, it is essential to remain calm and rational, avoiding improper self-help measures that may cause further injury. Additionally, preventive measures should be taken to avoid such incidents, such as chewing food slowly and thoroughly, and avoiding laughing or talking while eating, which may lead to foreign objects becoming lodged in the throat.
