Accidentally swallowing a fishbone is common. Most swallowed fishbones pass through the digestive system without serious issues. This article clarifies what happens after swallowing a fishbone, outlines initial steps, and explains when to seek medical help.
Immediate Sensations and Initial Steps
When a fishbone is swallowed, immediate sensations include a pricking or scratching feeling, often localized to the back of the tongue or around the tonsils. A persistent feeling that something is stuck in the throat, general discomfort, or a tickly sensation may also occur. Pain or difficulty swallowing is also possible.
Remaining calm is beneficial if you suspect a fishbone is stuck. A few gentle, forceful coughs can sometimes dislodge the bone, especially if it is small and located higher in the throat. Swallowing soft, dense foods, like a piece of bread soaked in water or milk, or a small ball of cooked rice, can help push the bone down into the stomach.
Drinking water in large gulps can also help flush the bone down. Swallowing a tablespoon or two of olive oil might make it easier for the bone to pass. Chewing a marshmallow just enough to soften it and then swallowing it whole might also work, as its sticky texture could grab the bone.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While many fishbones pass without intervention, certain symptoms indicate a need for medical evaluation. Seek help if you experience severe pain, difficulty breathing or wheezing, or an inability to eat or drink. Persistent pain, especially if it worsens, or the sensation of choking are also concerning signs.
Other symptoms include coughing up blood or blood-tinged saliva, excessive drooling, or swelling in the throat or neck area. These symptoms suggest the fishbone may be deeply embedded, causing irritation, or potentially leading to infection or perforation. A medical professional can use tools like an endoscope to locate and remove the bone, or confirm if the sensation is merely from a scratch that has already passed.
Potential Complications
Most swallowed fishbones pass through the gastrointestinal tract without complications within a week. However, if a fishbone becomes impacted and is not removed, it can lead to complications, though rare. The sharp edges of fishbones can cause abrasions or cuts in the throat or esophagus.
If the bone remains lodged, it can lead to infection, potentially forming an abscess. There is also a rare risk of esophageal perforation, where the bone creates a hole in the food pipe. This can be a serious, life-threatening complication, allowing contents to leak into surrounding tissues, potentially causing inflammation in the chest cavity (mediastinitis) or affecting nearby blood vessels. In rare cases, a fishbone can migrate into surrounding tissues or organs, leading to unusual outcomes.