Will a fishbone dissolve if it gets stuck in the esophagus?
If a fishbone gets stuck in the esophagus, it is essential to go to the hospital promptly for examination. The doctor will remove the fishbone. Do not try to remove it with vinegar, steamed bread, or other so-called tricks, as this may scratch the esophagus and won't work anyway. If the fishbone has pierced the esophagus, surgical treatment may be required.
1. Fishbone Stuck in the Esophagus Will Not Dissolve
A fishbone stuck in the esophagus will not dissolve because there is not a large amount of stomach acid or dissolving enzymes in the esophagus. Therefore, most cases require an emergency endoscopic examination to remove the foreign body from the esophagus.
2. Proper Methods to Remove Fishbone
Before removing the fishbone, a chest X-ray or chest CT scan is needed to clarify the relationship between the fishbone and the esophagus. If the fishbone has not pierced the esophagus, most cases can be clinically cured by removing the foreign body through an endoscopic examination. However, if the fishbone has pierced the esophagus, resulting in esophageal perforation, surgical treatment combined with thoracoscopy is required.
3. Hazards of Blindly Removing Fishbone Yourself
When a fishbone gets stuck in the throat, never let the patient swallow large pieces of food like steamed bread or pancakes. Although this method can sometimes remove the fishbone, sometimes this inappropriate treatment not only fails to remove the fishbone but also makes it stick deeper, making it more difficult to remove. In severe cases, infection and inflammation can be even more troublesome.
