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

Jan 25, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
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.

Generally speaking, the term "throat" refers to the pharynx. There is no established method claiming to be the most effective for treating a fish bone stuck in the throat. When a fish bone becomes lodged in the throat, it can be managed by immediately stopping eating, attempting coughing, inducing vomiting, using tweezers, or removing the foreign object via endoscopic procedures. If discomfort persists, prompt medical attention is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Immediately stop eating

When a fish bone becomes lodged in the throat, eating should be stopped immediately to avoid swallowing actions that could push the fish bone deeper and irritate the pharyngeal mucosa.

2. Attempt coughing

For small and superficially lodged fish bones, gently coughing may help expel the bone using the airflow and force generated by coughing. However, try to maintain a forward-bending posture while coughing to facilitate the removal of the fish bone.

3. Induce vomiting

If the fish bone is small, you can also attempt to induce vomiting to expel it. Vomiting can be induced using fingers or chopsticks, but direct contact with the throat should be avoided to prevent damage to the pharyngeal mucosa.

4. Use tweezers

If the fish bone is clearly visible and there are currently no symptoms such as throat swelling or burning sensation, a clean pair of tweezers can be used to remove the fish bone. However, avoid inserting the tweezers too deeply to prevent injuring the throat.

5. Endoscopic removal of the foreign object

If the fish bone cannot be removed using the methods above, seek medical attention promptly. A doctor may then guide the removal of the fish bone via endoscopic procedures, such as esophagoscopy or pharyngoscopy. If the fish bone is lodged deeper, X-rays or other imaging examinations may be required before the procedure to determine the exact location of the fish bone.

It should be noted that the method of handling a fish bone should be chosen according to individual circumstances to avoid improper operation causing discomfort. Additionally, it is important to remain calm after a fish bone becomes lodged, avoiding excessive anxiety or irritability.

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