Swallowed Something Hard: Should I Worry About a Fish Bone?

Q: Swallowed Something Hard: Should I Worry About a Fish Bone?

Hello： If a foreign object is lodged in the esophagus, it usually prevents eating and is accompanied by swallowing pain. <br>If there are currently no obvious symptoms, you can monitor yourself for now. <br>However, if you experience the aforementioned symptoms or if the pain con

I am not sure if it is a case of accidentally swallowing a fishbone?

Hello, Dr.
Du: During dinner, I suddenly felt like I swallowed something hard while it was passing through my esophagus or throat.
However, by the time I wanted to bring it back up, I had already swallowed it.
It felt a bit hard as it passed, but it didn't get stuck, so I'm not sure if it was a fish bone.
My family suggested it might be a piece of mushroom from the vegetarian soup, but I also had fish in my bowl, so I’m worried it might have mixed in with my food.
Currently, I don't feel any unusual sensation of a foreign body or pain while swallowing.
I just tried to cough it out, but only produced some clear phlegm and saliva, and I spat out a small amount of food...
Later, I felt a sudden pain in my right chest, but it’s gone now.
I would like to ask you, doctor, if a fish bone would cause symptoms like mine.
Should I undergo an esophagoscopy? Is there a chance it could have gone into my lungs or stomach? My family says I'm overthinking it and that my feelings are not caused by a fish bone, and I shouldn't worry too much or I’ll scare myself.
However, I’ve never experienced swallowing a fish bone before, and the sensation while it was passing through my esophagus felt quite significant.
When I bit into the mushroom later, it felt somewhat similar to that swallowing sensation.
I would like to know what symptoms would indicate that I should see an ENT specialist, or if I really didn’t swallow anything and I shouldn’t scare myself.
My dad said he swallowed a bone and was fine...
He said if I had something stuck, I wouldn't be able to eat.
I’m not sure if that’s true? Also, after coughing and spitting out a bit, my throat feels a bit tight and dry.
I wonder if drinking more water could help alleviate that? I apologize for the disorganized message and for disturbing you at night.
Thank you!

Amanda, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/05/06

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello: If a foreign object is lodged in the esophagus, it usually prevents eating and is accompanied by swallowing pain.
If there are currently no obvious symptoms, you can monitor yourself for now.
However, if you experience the aforementioned symptoms or if the pain continues to worsen, it is recommended to seek medical attention from an otolaryngologist or a gastroenterologist.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2020/05/06

More Info

Swallowing something hard, such as a fish bone, can indeed be a cause for concern, but it’s important to assess the situation calmly and understand the potential implications. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing anxiety about whether you have swallowed a fish bone or another hard object, and you are unsure about the symptoms that may indicate a problem.

First, let’s clarify what happens when a person swallows a foreign object. In many cases, small, soft items may pass through the digestive tract without causing any issues. However, sharp or hard objects, like fish bones, can pose a risk of injury to the esophagus, throat, or even the gastrointestinal tract. If a fish bone gets lodged in the throat or esophagus, it can cause pain, difficulty swallowing, or a sensation of something being stuck.

From your account, you mentioned that you felt a hard object pass through your throat but did not experience any significant pain or discomfort afterward. This is a positive sign, as it suggests that the object may have passed through without causing injury. The brief pain you felt in your chest could be related to muscle tension or irritation rather than a direct consequence of swallowing a foreign object.
Here are some symptoms to watch for that may indicate a problem:
1. Persistent Pain: If you experience ongoing pain in your throat, chest, or abdomen, it could suggest that something is stuck or causing irritation.

2. Difficulty Swallowing: If you find it increasingly difficult to swallow food or liquids, this could be a sign of an obstruction.

3. Vomiting: If you begin to vomit, especially if it contains blood or resembles coffee grounds, seek medical attention immediately.

4. Fever: A fever may indicate an infection, which could occur if there is a perforation or injury to the digestive tract.

5. Coughing or Choking: If you experience coughing fits or a choking sensation, this may indicate that the object is lodged in your throat.

If you do not experience any of these symptoms, it is likely that you are fine. However, if you continue to feel anxious or if any concerning symptoms develop, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They may recommend an examination or imaging studies, such as an X-ray or endoscopy, to ensure that no foreign object is present and to assess any potential injury.

In terms of your throat feeling dry or "weird" after coughing, drinking water can help soothe your throat and alleviate any discomfort. Staying hydrated is always beneficial, especially after swallowing something that may have caused irritation.

In conclusion, while swallowing a fish bone or similar object can be concerning, your current lack of significant symptoms is reassuring. Monitor your condition, stay hydrated, and do not hesitate to seek medical advice if you develop any new symptoms or if your anxiety persists. It's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health.

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