What Should I Do If a Fishbone Gets Stuck in My Throat While Eating Fish?

Getting a fishbone stuck in your throat while eating fish is a common occurrence in daily life. In such situations, it is crucial to remain vigilant. If you fail to remove the fishbone in a timely manner using household methods, it is imperative to seek medical attention promptly. Prolonged retention of the fishbone can lead to inflammation and potentially more severe consequences. Let's explore what to do if a fishbone gets stuck in your throat:

What to Do if a Fishbone Gets Stuck in Your Throat

1. Massage the throat reflex area on the foot (between the big toe and the second toe, next to Tai Chong point) for about one minute.

2. Drink olive kernel water. Grind olive kernels and consume the liquid to help dislodge the fishbone lodged in your throat.

3. Use vitamin C to soften the fishbone. For small fishbones, take a vitamin C tablet, place it in your mouth, and slowly swallow it. After a few minutes, the fishbone will soften and disappear.

4. Peel and cut a clove of garlic into small pieces, insert them into both nostrils, and swallow a teaspoon of sugar without drinking water. If it doesn't work, try swallowing another teaspoon of sugar. This method is effective for fishbones stuck in the throat.

5. Use orange peel to dissolve the fishbone. When a fishbone gets stuck, peel a narrow strip of orange peel and slowly swallow it to dissolve the fishbone.

What to Do if a Child Gets a Fishbone Stuck in Their Throat

1. Swallowing rice balls and drinking vinegar are common methods used by some parents, but they are incorrect. Swallowing rice balls or steamed buns can push the exposed fishbone deeper into the tissue, making it more difficult to detect and remove. Moreover, vinegar does not soften the fishbone; instead, its acidity can irritate and burn the esophageal mucosa, causing the injured area to expand and deepen.

2. If the fishbone is small or not lodged deeply, parents can attempt to remove it themselves. First, remain calm and, under bright light, have the child open their mouth wide. Use a flashlight to illuminate the throat area and observe the size and location of the fishbone. If the fishbone is visible and easily accessible, parents can use a small tweezers, preferably sterilized with alcohol-soaked cotton, to gently remove it.

3. Observe carefully for two to three days after removing the fishbone. If the child still experiences throat pain, abnormal eating habits, or drooling, it is essential to bring them to the ENT department of a reputable hospital for examination to ensure there are no residual foreign bodies.