Can a fish bone stuck in the throat heal on its own?
Mar 14, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Chao
Introduction
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.
Generally speaking, the throat refers to the pharynx. Whether a fish bone stuck in the throat can heal on its own mainly depends on the size of the bone and the depth of penetration. If the fish bone is small and located superficially or deeply within the throat, spontaneous healing may be possible. However, if the fish bone is large and deeply embedded, self-healing might not occur. If discomfort occurs, timely medical attention is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:
If the fish bone entering the throat is relatively small and soft, and located deeply, spontaneous healing is usually possible. A superficially embedded fish bone might be expelled by coughing, while a deeply embedded fish bone could move into the stomach through swallowing actions and the lubrication of saliva, achieving self-healing.
However, if a large, hard fish bone becomes lodged deeply in the throat, spontaneous healing is typically unlikely. In such cases, prompt medical attention is advised, and the fish bone should be removed under a doctor's guidance using specialized instruments such as a laryngoscope. If symptoms such as throat swelling, pain, or congestion occur, it is recommended to follow medical advice and take medications such as Amoxicillin Capsules, Cefuroxime Axetil Tablets, or Cefradine Capsules.
It should be noted that when a fish bone gets stuck in the throat, avoid attempting to remove it yourself or performing inappropriate actions, such as swallowing large bites of rice or drinking vinegar, which may worsen the injury. At the same time, maintain a calm mindset and avoid excessive anxiety.
