What to do if a fish bone gets stuck in the throat

Jan 25, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lu Cheng

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, if a fish bone becomes lodged in the throat, it can be managed by stopping eating, staying calm, attempting to expel it by coughing, using tweezers or forceps to remove it, visualizing and removing it with a laryngoscope, or removing it surgically. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is recommended, and treatment should be conducted under a doctor's guidance. When consuming fish or other spiny foods, it is advisable to chew thoroughly and eat slowly.

Generally, when a fish bone becomes lodged in the throat, it can be managed by stopping eating and staying calm, attempting to expel it by coughing, using tweezers or forceps to remove it, observing and removing it with the aid of a laryngoscope, or surgically removing it. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is recommended for standardized treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Stop eating and stay calm

When a fish bone gets stuck in the throat, the first step is to immediately stop eating and remain as calm as possible. Avoid speaking loudly or becoming overly agitated, as this may cause the fish bone to slip deeper into the throat due to swallowing or airflow, worsening the impaction.

2. Attempt to expel by coughing

If the fish bone is lodged in a shallow area, such as the oropharynx, you can try coughing to expel it. During coughing, maintain a forward-bending posture to utilize airflow to help dislodge the fish bone.

3. Removal using tweezers or foreign body forceps

If the fish bone is located deep in the throat, such as in the laryngopharynx or deeper areas, it usually cannot be expelled by coughing. In such cases, under the guidance of a qualified physician, instruments such as tweezers or foreign body forceps may be used to remove the fish bone.

4. Observation and removal with a laryngoscope

If the fish bone cannot be directly visualized or is in a concealed location, a doctor may use a laryngoscope or similar instruments to locate the fish bone and determine its size and position before taking appropriate measures for removal.

5. Surgical removal

For larger fish bones or those lodged in difficult-to-reach locations that cannot be removed by conventional methods, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgical options may include minimally invasive procedures, and the specific plan should be determined by a physician based on the patient's individual circumstances.

When consuming fish or other spiky foods, it is advisable to chew slowly and thoroughly, ensuring food is well masticated before swallowing, to reduce the risk of fish bone impaction in the throat.

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Will a fish bone stuck in the throat disappear on its own?

A fish bone stuck in the throat needs to be assessed based on the specific circumstances. If the bone is very small, it may sometimes resolve on its own. However, if the bone is large, sharp, or deeply embedded, it may be difficult to dislodge naturally. When a fish bone becomes lodged in the throat, it is important to closely monitor the symptoms and choose an appropriate course of action. If the problem cannot be resolved independently or if symptoms persist or worsen, prompt medical attention should be sought.

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What to do if a fish bone gets stuck in the throat

Under normal circumstances, the throat refers to the pharynx. If a fish bone becomes lodged in the throat, the following measures can be taken for relief: stop eating and drinking, attempt coughing, use tweezers to remove the bone, induce vomiting, or seek medical assistance. When a fish bone is stuck in the throat, one should remain calm, follow the steps mentioned above, and seek timely medical help when necessary. Additionally, it is advisable to chew fish slowly and attentively to reduce the risk of fish bones becoming lodged in the throat.

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What should I do if a fish bone is stuck in my throat?

After a fish bone becomes lodged in the throat, one should immediately stop eating and drinking and attempt to expel the fish bone by coughing or inducing vomiting. If the position of the fish bone is visible, it can be carefully removed using tweezers. If self-removal is not possible or the fish bone is deeply embedded, medical attention should be sought promptly. A doctor can then guide the removal of the fish bone using specialized techniques, such as endoscopic removal of foreign bodies.

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What is the most effective way to treat a fish bone stuck in the throat?

If a fish bone becomes lodged in the throat, stop eating immediately and attempt to expel it by coughing or inducing vomiting. If the position of the fish bone is visible, it can be removed using clean tweezers. However, if the bone cannot be removed independently or is deeply lodged, seek medical attention promptly. Under a doctor's guidance, the fish bone can be removed using instruments such as an endoscope. It is important to remain calm after a fish bone becomes lodged, avoiding excessive anxiety.