What is the most effective way to deal with a fish bone stuck in the throat?
May 08, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
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.
Generally speaking, the term "throat" refers to the pharynx. There is no definitive method for dealing with a fish bone stuck in the throat. If a fish bone becomes lodged in the throat, it can be managed by immediately stopping eating, attempting to cough, inducing vomiting, removing it with tweezers, or seeking professional medical treatment. If discomfort persists, prompt medical attention is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Immediately stop eating
Once a fish bone is detected lodged in the throat, eating should be stopped immediately to avoid further damage to the pharyngeal mucosa. It is also important to remain calm and avoid excessive anxiety or irritation.
2. Attempt to cough
If the fish bone is located in a shallow position and is visible to the naked eye, it is recommended to first try gently coughing to expel the fish bone. Forceful coughing should be avoided to prevent irritation and congestion of the throat.
3. Induce vomiting
If the fish bone is lodged deeper and cannot be coughed out independently, it may also be possible to expel the fish bone by inducing vomiting, mainly by triggering the vomiting reflex to achieve the therapeutic goal. However, avoid using fingers directly, to prevent damaging the throat mucosa.
4. Remove with tweezers
If the location of the fish bone is visible, it can be removed independently using tweezers. However, it is recommended to perform this in a well-lit environment, while also paying attention to the amount of force used to avoid improper handling that may cause discomfort.
5. Seek professional medical treatment
If the fish bone cannot be removed using the above methods, and if it is deeply lodged with significant symptoms present, prompt medical attention should be sought. A doctor can guide treatment, such as removing the fish bone using a laryngoscope or esophagoscope.
It should be noted that when handling a fish bone lodged in the throat, one should avoid attempting to swallow large pieces of food or hard objects in an effort to push the bone down, as this may cause the fish bone to lodge deeper or cause further discomfort. Additionally, dietary habits should be adjusted for a short period, avoiding the consumption of hard foods again.
