Swallowed Something Hard: Fish Bones and Throat Discomfort

Swallowing something hard?

Hello, Dr.
Hong.
Just now while I was having dinner, I ate some cod fish along with rice and possibly some sweet potato.
After chewing and swallowing, I suddenly felt a sharp sensation near my esophagus, close to my tonsils.
I'm not sure if it was a small bone from the cod or the coarse fibers from the sweet potato that I later vomited, which felt hard and prickly.
It was just that one bite that hurt.
At that moment, I looked in the mirror but didn’t see any foreign object.
Eating and drinking didn’t cause any pain, so I just continued to drink water and eat.
My family said that even if there were soft bones from the cod, it wouldn’t be a problem as long as it didn’t get stuck in my throat, and advised me to drink more water.

Can I ask the doctor, generally, if a fish bone gets stuck, would there be continuous discomfort or other symptoms? Since I’m not feeling pain while eating or drinking now, if it wasn’t the sweet potato but a small bone from the cod, could it have actually penetrated into the tissue without me noticing? My family mentioned that the soft small bones from cod shouldn’t be that sharp, and I would have a more obvious sensation if it were a larger bone, which is why they think it’s just sweet potato fiber.
Although I don’t feel pain, I noticed a slight indentation on my tonsil, and my throat feels a bit strange now, which I’m not sure is psychological.
If I observe it for a day or two and nothing happens, can I just forget about it? After all, I don’t know if it’s a bone, and I’m worried that if it’s just sweet potato, the hospital might laugh at me...
I hope to consult the doctor on what I should do.
Am I overreacting, or is it necessary to go to the hospital for some examination tomorrow? My family keeps saying I’m too anxious.
Thank you!

An, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/12/09

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine

Hello, usually most food will pass down to the esophagus after a while, unless there is a sharp fishbone that gets stuck in the throat.
If there are no particular sensations in the throat afterward, you can just monitor the situation.
As for the slight indentation you mentioned in the tonsils, that is a normal anatomical structure and there is no need to worry.
It is recommended to visit an otolaryngologist only if you experience throat pain or discomfort; otherwise, you can continue to observe.
Thank you for your inquiry.

Reply Date: 2020/12/09

More Info

Swallowing something hard, such as a fish bone, can be a concerning experience, and it's understandable to feel anxious about it. In your case, it seems you may have swallowed a small fish bone or some fibrous material from the sweet potato. Let's break down the situation and address your concerns.

When you swallow a fish bone, symptoms can vary depending on whether the bone is lodged in the throat or esophagus. Common symptoms of a fish bone stuck in the throat include:
1. Pain or Discomfort: You may feel sharp pain or discomfort in the throat, especially when swallowing.

2. Feeling of Something Stuck: A sensation that something is lodged in the throat, which may cause anxiety.

3. Difficulty Swallowing: This can occur if the bone is lodged in a way that obstructs the esophagus.

4. Coughing or Gagging: Your body may try to expel the foreign object, leading to coughing or gagging.

5. Salivation: Increased saliva production can occur as a reflex to the irritation.

In your case, since you mentioned that you do not have persistent pain while eating or drinking, it is possible that the bone either passed through your throat without causing significant injury or that you may have swallowed something else, like a fibrous piece from the sweet potato. Fish bones, especially from softer fish like cod, are often not as sharp as those from other types of fish, and they can sometimes be more flexible, which may reduce the risk of injury.

If you are experiencing a "weird" feeling in your throat, it could be due to several factors:
- Irritation: The throat may be slightly irritated from the swallowing action, leading to discomfort.

- Psychological Factors: Anxiety about the incident can amplify your perception of discomfort, making it feel worse than it is.

- Muscle Tension: Stress can lead to muscle tension in the throat, which may create a sensation of tightness or discomfort.

What Should You Do?
1. Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your symptoms over the next day or two. If you notice persistent pain, difficulty swallowing, or any other concerning symptoms, it would be wise to seek medical attention.

2. Hydration: Continue to drink plenty of water. This can help soothe the throat and may assist in flushing out any small particles that may be present.

3. Avoid Irritants: Try to avoid spicy or acidic foods that may further irritate your throat.

4. Relaxation Techniques: If anxiety is contributing to your discomfort, consider practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness to help ease your mind.

5. Consult a Doctor: If you remain concerned or if symptoms worsen, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They may perform a physical examination and, if necessary, imaging studies to ensure there are no foreign objects lodged in your throat or esophagus.

Conclusion
In summary, while it is understandable to feel anxious after swallowing something hard, your current lack of pain while eating or drinking is a positive sign. It is likely that you may have either swallowed a small, non-threatening piece of food or experienced temporary irritation. However, if you have any doubts or if symptoms persist, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. Your health and peace of mind are important, and a healthcare provider can offer reassurance and appropriate care.

Similar Q&A

Concerns About Fish Bones: What to Do If You Suspect Ingestion

Hello doctor, while I was having dinner with cod fish, I might have accidentally swallowed a small fish bone near the fin area. Later, I induced vomiting and expelled a lot of vegetables and fish, but I still feel a strange sensation in my throat. Although I don't experience...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, based on your description, it seems that you likely did not swallow a fishbone. The throat pain may be caused by forceful coughing. I suggest not to worry too much. Thank you for your inquiry.

Concerns About Swallowing Fish Bones: What to Watch For

If you accidentally swallowed a small fish bone, approximately 1 cm in size, from handling fish skin, and you do not feel any injury in your throat, you should monitor for any symptoms. Observe for the following signs over the next 24 to 48 hours: 1. Difficulty swallowing or pai...

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
As stated, there should be no issues, but please be careful in the future.

Persistent Throat Discomfort After Fish Bone Incident: What to Do?

Hello, Dr. Yeh. I choked on a fish bone while drinking fish soup at the beginning of December. After a week, I noticed that my throat felt swollen, and swallowing food felt like there was a foreign body, along with a sensation of heat and irritation. I went to the ENT department ...

Dr. Ye Dawei reply Otolaryngology
Mr. Lun, your issue may just be a sensation of a foreign body. However, for safety reasons, please consult an otolaryngologist for an endoscopic examination.

Swallowed Fish Bone: Symptoms and What to Do Next

I'm sorry to bother you. Is it true that swallowing a fishbone can cause a strong stabbing pain? After eating today, I felt a sensation of something stuck in my throat, but there was no sharp pain. I also have symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux. I'm not sure how to det...

Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello, if a fishbone gets lodged in the throat, it may cause symptoms such as: 1. Increasing pain with swallowing saliva, 2. Difficulty swallowing saliva, 3. Fever, 4. Chest pain, 5. Back pain. However, not all of these symptoms will necessarily appear. It is advisable to seek me...