What to do if a fish bone gets stuck in the throat

When a fish bone becomes lodged in the throat, avoid forcefully swallowing or attempting to remove it with your hands to prevent more serious injury. The fish bone may be stuck in the pharynx or esophagus, and forceful swallowing could push it deeper or scratch the mucous membrane. If the fish bone is near the surface, try gently coughing to use the airflow to dislodge it. Alternatively, take a mouthful of water, tilt your head back, and rinse your mouth to allow the water to flush out the bone. However, if the fish bone is large, deeply embedded, or accompanied by severe pain, seek professional medical assistance promptly. An ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist can quickly locate and safely remove the fish bone using specialized tools, thus avoiding damage to the throat tissue.

For safety, it is recommended to visit an ENT department at a hospital for examination and treatment as soon as possible. Prior to seeing a doctor, avoid any actions that might irritate the throat, such as forceful coughing or swallowing hard objects. In daily life, chew fish thoroughly and swallow slowly, paying attention to removing fish bones, especially when distracted or eating in a hurry. With proper management and careful prevention, such incidents can be effectively reduced, helping to maintain throat health.