Knowing how to properly handle a fish bone stuck in your throat is crucial. Incorrect responses can lead to serious complications, so it’s important to act based on accurate information. A widespread myth suggests that swallowing plain rice can naturally dislodge the bone. However, this is misinformation, and following it can actually worsen the situation.
The Risks of a Fish Bone Stuck in Your Throat
When a foreign object, like a fish bone, gets lodged in your throat, it can cause anything from mild discomfort to severe health issues. This is especially concerning for children, as their smaller and more delicate throat and esophagus structures make them more prone to injury. For this reason, extra caution is needed when children eat fish or foods containing bones.
While discomfort is felt immediately after a bone gets stuck, the bigger danger lies in the potential complications that can arise later. The bone may cause inflammation in the affected area, or in severe cases, puncture the throat or esophagus. This could lead to food leaking into surrounding tissues, causing infection and, in some cases, systemic infection.
The Problem with Swallowing Rice: A Common Mistake
One of the most common actions people take when a fish bone gets stuck is to swallow plain rice. This stems from the mistaken belief that the rice will push the bone down into the stomach. However, experts warn that this method is extremely dangerous. If the bone is lightly lodged in the throat, swallowing solid food like rice can push it deeper into the tissue. Unlike liquids, solid foods do not help dislodge foreign objects and can instead make the situation worse by embedding the bone further.
If the bone becomes lodged deeper in the esophagus, the resulting pain may be mistaken for simple throat pain or heartburn. As the bone moves farther down toward the chest, the pain location shifts, making it harder for the person to receive proper treatment. In many cases, if the bone reaches the lower esophagus, the person might not even feel the pain, as sensation becomes less acute in that area.
Proper Response: What to Do When a Fish Bone Gets Stuck
The most important thing to do when a fish bone gets stuck in your throat is to remain calm. If the bone is only lightly lodged, rinsing your mouth with water or saltwater might help dislodge it. However, if the bone does not come out or if the pain persists, it’s essential to visit a doctor for professional treatment.
At the hospital, medical staff will first check whether the bone is stuck near the tonsils or the pharynx. Bones lodged near the tonsils can often be easily removed, but bones stuck deeper in the pharynx or esophagus require more precise examination using an endoscope. This procedure allows doctors to locate the exact position of the bone and safely remove it if necessary.
Complications from Leaving a Fish Bone Untreated
If a fish bone remains deeply lodged in the throat or esophagus without proper treatment, serious complications can arise. One of the most concerning issues is esophageal perforation, where the esophageal wall becomes punctured. When perforation occurs, food and foreign materials can leak out of the esophagus, causing infection in the surrounding tissues, and in severe cases, leading to widespread systemic infection.
If the perforation is small and no abscess forms, it can often be treated relatively easily. The patient may be placed on a fast to prevent further irritation, and antibiotics may be administered to prevent infection. However, in cases where the perforation is larger or the inflammation is severe, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Prevention is the Best Approach
The best way to avoid problems caused by fish bones is through prevention. When eating fish, make sure to carefully remove all bones, and be especially cautious when serving fish to children. For fish with many small bones, it’s a good idea to prepare the fish in advance, or choose species that have fewer bones. Additionally, when eating fish that may still have bones, take your time and chew thoroughly rather than swallowing quickly.
In conclusion, if you ever get a fish bone stuck in your throat, do not try swallowing plain rice or other solid foods to push it down. Instead, seek medical help immediately. Accurate diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and quickly resolve any discomfort caused by the fish bone.
