Can a fish bone stuck in the throat be left untreated?
Mar 18, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Chao
Introduction
Whether or not to treat a fish bone stuck in the throat requires a comprehensive assessment based on the specific situation of the fish bone. Small fish bones with mild symptoms may temporarily be left untreated; however, swallowing hard objects should be avoided to prevent worsening the injury. Larger fish bones located deep within the throat and causing noticeable symptoms require prompt medical attention, and doctors may guide removal using instruments such as a laryngoscope or esophagoscope.
Generally speaking, the throat refers to the pharynx. Whether or not to treat a fish bone stuck in the throat mainly depends on the specific situation of the fish bone. If the fish bone is small and symptoms are not obvious, treatment may be temporarily unnecessary. However, if the fish bone is large and causes obvious symptoms, timely intervention is required. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:
If the fish bone is small and soft, lodged in a superficial area of the throat, and its exact position is visible to the naked eye without current discomfort, attempting to cough it out may be effective. In such cases, the impact on the body is minimal, and usually, observation without specific treatment is acceptable. However, avoid forcefully swallowing hard foods or using hands to stimulate the throat, as this may worsen the injury.
Conversely, if the fish bone is large and hard, deeply lodged in the throat where its position is concealed and not visible to the naked eye, accompanied by symptoms such as throat pain, swelling, and difficulty swallowing, prompt treatment is advised. In such cases, the likelihood of the fish bone dislodging on its own is low. Delayed treatment might result in injury to the mucous membrane of the throat and could even cause the bone to move deeper. It is recommended to seek timely medical assistance for removal using instruments such as a laryngoscope or esophagoscope.
It should be noted that attempting to manage a fish bone stuck in the throat by drinking vinegar or water is not advisable. Additionally, avoid consuming irritating foods in the short term to prevent further irritation to the throat mucosa.
