What is the method to quickly resolve a fish bone stuck in the throat?

Jan 25, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lu Cheng

Introduction

When a fish bone becomes lodged in the throat, one should stop eating and observe. Try to expel it by coughing or inducing vomiting. If the bone is superficial, it may be removed with tweezers. If self-removal is not possible or the above methods are ineffective, seek medical attention promptly. Under a doctor's guidance, specialized instruments should be used to remove the fish bone in order to prevent it from moving deeper.

Generally speaking, the term "throat" refers to the pharynx. There is no one specific method that can resolve the issue of a fish bone stuck in the throat. When a fish bone becomes lodged in the throat, the following measures can be taken: stopping eating and observing, attempting to cough, inducing vomiting, removing with tweezers, or seeking professional medical treatment. If discomfort persists, prompt medical attention is recommended. Detailed approaches are as follows:

1. Stop eating and observe

If you suddenly feel that a fish bone is stuck in your throat, you should stop eating immediately and observe carefully to determine the location of the fish bone and the throat's reaction, thus preventing the bone from moving deeper.

2. Attempt to cough

If the fish bone has just become lodged and is located superficially with mild pain, you may try coughing to expel it. However, be cautious with the intensity of coughing to avoid irritating the throat mucosa.

3. Induce vomiting

If coughing fails to expel the fish bone, you can try inducing vomiting. For example, use chopsticks or fingers to stimulate the throat so that the fish bone is expelled along with the vomitus.

4. Remove with tweezers

If the fish bone is located superficially and clearly visible, you may attempt to remove it with tweezers. It is preferable to perform this under bright lighting and, ideally, with assistance from another person.

5. Seek professional medical treatment

If the above methods are ineffective or if the fish bone is deeply lodged, promptly consult a doctor for professional removal. Medical professionals may use specialized tools, such as a pharyngoscope, to locate the fish bone and then remove it with tweezers.

During the process of handling a fish bone impaction, avoid excessive anxiety or fear, as these emotions may interfere with proper management. After removing the fish bone, avoid consuming spicy or irritating foods in the short term to prevent interference with the recovery of the throat mucosa.

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

After the throat has been pierced by a fish bone, eating and drinking should be stopped immediately. Attempt to expel the bone by coughing or inducing vomiting. If symptoms are severe, particularly if there is difficulty breathing, the Heimlich maneuver should be administered promptly. Fish bones that are visible to the naked eye can be removed with tweezers, but care must be taken regarding the amount of force used. If removal is not possible, seek medical attention immediately, and have the bone removed under a doctor's guidance using professional equipment.

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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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Can a fish bone stuck in the throat heal on its own?

Whether a fish bone stuck in the throat can heal on its own depends on the size and depth of the bone. Smaller bones located superficially may heal spontaneously and may be expelled by coughing or swallowing. However, larger, harder, or deeply embedded bones typically cannot heal on their own and require timely medical attention and professional treatment as directed by a physician.