Are Fish Bones Linked to Right Lower Abdominal Pain?

Q: Are Fish Bones Linked to Right Lower Abdominal Pain?

Hello： If it is a soft fish bone, it should not cause a perforation in the intestine. <br>However, if perforation occurs, it will lead to increased pain and peritonitis (widespread pain). <br>If you experience any of these symptoms, please consult a gastroenterologist or visit th

Is there a correlation between fishbone ingestion and pain in the lower right abdomen?

Hello, Doctor: On the evening of November 22, while eating a mackerel bento, I accidentally swallowed a small fishbone that was about 1 cm long and approximately 1 mm in diameter.
At the time, I thought it was just a small fishbone, so I chewed it a few times before swallowing it, confirming that it had entered my stomach.
Later, I took a 1000 mg vitamin C (I read online that it could help soften fishbones).
After eating a bucket of fried chicken on November 24, I noticed that my bowel movements were slightly less for the next few days.
On November 29 and 30, I felt a mild bloating and pain in my lower right abdomen (I used to experience this occasionally in college, and an X-ray showed it was due to mild constipation), but it wasn't severe pain.
On December 1, my sister's child came to visit, and while I was walking after a meal, the child threw a soft ball that hit the area of my lower right abdomen that was already painful.
There were no visible bruises, and later that evening, I had a larger bowel movement.
While sleeping, that area felt uncomfortable, but after applying some muscle relief essential oil for two days, I felt much better.
I have been self-monitoring for two weeks now, and overall, I feel normal, with no fever and slightly more regular bowel movements.
There is no abdominal pain in the lower right quadrant, and there is no tenderness when pressing that area.
I mainly want to ask: 1.
Could the pain in my lower right abdomen be related to the fishbone? Am I worried that it hasn't fully digested? 2.
Am I concerned that the ball hit by the child could have caused the fishbone to puncture my intestine or perforate it, allowing it to move around inside my body? Would there necessarily be symptoms to indicate this? Doctor, I apologize for my anxiety; after reading some news cases online, I have been feeling a bit fearful, as I have seen that fishbones of 1-2 cm can lead to peritonitis, intestinal perforation requiring surgery, or even puncturing the liver, which has really scared me.
Thank you very much for your response.

Ken, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/12/18

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: If it is a soft fish bone, it should not cause a perforation in the intestine.
However, if perforation occurs, it will lead to increased pain and peritonitis (widespread pain).
If you experience any of these symptoms, please consult a gastroenterologist or visit the emergency department for a thorough examination.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Dr.
Tsai An-Shun.

Reply Date: 2018/12/18

More Info

When it comes to right lower abdominal pain, there are several potential causes, and your concern about the fish bone you swallowed is understandable. Let's break down your questions and provide some clarity based on medical knowledge.

1. Is right lower abdominal pain related to the fish bone?
The likelihood that the fish bone you swallowed is directly causing your right lower abdominal pain is relatively low, especially if you are not experiencing severe symptoms. Fish bones can sometimes cause irritation or injury to the gastrointestinal tract, but this typically presents with more acute symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or gastrointestinal bleeding. Since you mentioned that your pain is mild and you have not experienced any alarming symptoms like fever or significant changes in bowel habits, it is less likely that the fish bone is the culprit.
It's also important to note that the digestive system is quite resilient, and small, non-sharp objects often pass through without causing harm. The vitamin C you took is unlikely to have any significant effect on the fish bone, as it does not dissolve or soften hard materials like bones.

2. Could the ball impact cause the fish bone to puncture the intestine?
The risk of a fish bone puncturing the intestine is a valid concern, but it is generally low, especially if the bone was small and you did not experience immediate severe pain after swallowing it. The abdominal wall is quite robust, and while trauma can cause injury, the fact that you did not have bruising or severe pain after being hit by the ball is reassuring.
If a fish bone were to perforate the intestine, it would likely lead to severe abdominal pain, fever, and signs of peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal cavity), which would require immediate medical attention. Since you have been monitoring your symptoms and have not experienced any of these severe signs, it is unlikely that you are dealing with a perforation.

3. What symptoms should I watch for?
While your current symptoms seem mild, it is wise to be vigilant. If you experience any of the following, you should seek medical attention promptly:
- Severe abdominal pain that worsens over time
- Fever or chills
- Nausea or vomiting, especially if it is persistent
- Blood in your stool or black, tarry stools
- Changes in bowel habits, such as severe constipation or diarrhea
- Abdominal swelling or tenderness
In conclusion, while it is natural to feel anxious after swallowing a foreign object, the absence of severe symptoms is a good sign. Your right lower abdominal pain may be related to other factors, such as dietary changes or mild constipation, rather than the fish bone or the impact from the ball. If your symptoms persist or worsen, it would be prudent to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation. Regular check-ups and open communication with your doctor can help alleviate your concerns and ensure your health is monitored effectively.

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