What should I do if a fish bone gets stuck in my throat while eating?

Jan 25, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lu Cheng

Introduction

If a fish bone becomes lodged in the throat, stop eating immediately, remain calm, and try to expel small fish bones by gently coughing or inducing vomiting, to prevent the bone from penetrating deeper due to emotional agitation or swallowing movements. For fish bones visible to the naked eye, a disinfected pair of tweezers may be used for removal; however, direct contact with the throat should be avoided to prevent damage to the pharyngeal mucosa. If self-removal is not possible, seek medical attention promptly.

Generally speaking, the throat refers to the pharynx. If a fish bone becomes lodged in the throat, the following measures can be taken: immediately stop eating, stay calm, try gentle coughing, induce vomiting, or use tweezers to remove the bone. If discomfort persists, prompt medical attention is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Immediately stop eating

If it is confirmed that a fish bone is stuck while eating fish, consumption of food and drinks should be stopped promptly. Continued eating may push the fish bone deeper, making it harder to remove.

2. Stay calm

If a fish bone gets stuck in the throat, it is important to remain calm and avoid excessive tension or anxiety. Large emotional fluctuations may cause adverse reactions and interfere with the removal of the fish bone.

3. Try gentle coughing

If the fish bone is located in a relatively superficial position and is small and soft in texture, gentle coughing may help expel it. The airflow generated by coughing can help dislodge the fish bone.

4. Induce vomiting

If the fish bone is small but cannot be coughed out, inducing vomiting may be attempted. The vomiting process can stimulate the throat area and help expel the fish bone. However, during vomiting, avoid using hard objects to directly touch the throat to prevent damage to the pharyngeal mucosa.

5. Remove with tweezers

If the fish bone is visible and easily accessible, sterilized tweezers can be used for removal. It is best to perform this procedure in a well-lit environment to accurately locate the fish bone.

It is important to ensure safety and hygiene regardless of the method used to remove the fish bone, in order to minimize injury and reduce the risk of infection. Additionally, avoid consuming hard foods for a short period to facilitate recovery of the throat mucosa.

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

If a fish bone becomes lodged in the throat, eating should be stopped immediately, and the bone should be expelled by gently coughing or inducing vomiting. If the fish bone is visible, it can be removed using tweezers, but caution should be exercised regarding the force applied and overall safety. If the above methods are ineffective and the fish bone is deeply embedded, medical attention should be sought promptly. A professional physician should guide the removal using equipment such as a laryngoscope to ensure more effective clearance of the foreign object.

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What should I do if a fish bone is stuck in my throat, and what is the most effective method?

There is no such thing as "the most effective way for a fish bone stuck in the throat." Generally, when a fish bone becomes lodged in the throat, it should be handled in a safe and scientific manner. Methods include stopping eating and drinking, attempting to expel the bone with a gentle cough, holding acidic foods in the mouth to soften the bone, and seeking timely medical assistance for removal. When dealing with a fish bone stuck in the throat, one should avoid incorrect methods such as swallowing bread or drinking vinegar forcefully, as these actions may cause the fish bone to become further embedded.

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5 types of food that must absolutely be avoided with high cholesterol

Generally speaking, there is no such saying as "5 foods you must never eat if you have high cholesterol." However, it is not recommended to consume foods such as beef brain, fried dough sticks (youtiao), cream pastries, duck liver, and butter. Additionally, individuals with high cholesterol should also try to avoid eating fish roe and fatty meats. At the same time, attention should be paid to eating more whole grains and fresh vegetables and fruits in daily life.