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

Generally, if a fish bone becomes lodged in the throat, it can be managed by immediately stopping eating, attempting to cough or vomit, removing it with professional tools, medication, or surgical intervention. If discomfort persists, prompt medical attention is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Immediately stop eating

Once a fish bone becomes lodged in the throat, eating should be stopped immediately. Remain calm and avoid speaking loudly or becoming overly agitated to prevent the fish bone from slipping deeper, worsening the obstruction.

2. Attempt to cough or induce vomiting

If the fish bone is lodged in a shallow location, try gently coughing to expel it, or use a finger or chopsticks to lightly stimulate the throat and induce a vomiting reflex to help remove the fish bone.

3. Removal using professional tools

If the fish bone is deeply lodged in the throat and cannot be coughed up or expelled naturally, it should be removed under a doctor's guidance using professional instruments such as tweezers or foreign body forceps. If the fish bone cannot be directly visualized, a laryngoscope may be used for examination and removal.

4. Medication

After the fish bone has been removed, if inflammation or infection occurs in the throat area, medication such as Amoxicillin capsules, Cefixime granules, or Compound Chlorhexidine Gargle may be used as directed by a physician.

5. Surgical intervention

For larger fish bones or those lodged in difficult-to-reach locations that cannot be removed by conventional methods, surgical removal under medical supervision is recommended to ensure safe extraction and to check for any remaining fragments or infection.

During meals, avoid distractions such as talking or watching television to prevent accidental aspiration of food into the trachea or throat, which may lead to foreign body obstruction.