Swallowed Fish Bone Concerns: When to Seek Medical Attention

Q: Swallowed Fish Bone Concerns: When to Seek Medical Attention

Dear Mr. <br>Ye Ye： <br>1. <br>The cod fish bones or the coarse fibers from sweet potatoes that you mentioned may scrape the mucosal cells as they pass through our digestive tract; however, due to the strong acidity of gastric juice and the action of digestive enzymes, theoretica

Possible ingestion of a fishbone?

Hello, Dr.
Hsiao.
This evening during dinner, I had some cod (although I bit into it, I'm not sure if there were any of those soft little bones) and sweet potato (later when I had another piece, the fibrous part seemed to have something hard that I could feel).
I felt like I might have scraped or poked my throat while swallowing.
However, after drinking water and eating, I didn't feel particularly uncomfortable; I just felt uneasy and had a strange sensation in my throat, which led me to spit out a little of the food, but it was just the dishes I had earlier.
I would like to ask the doctor if this situation requires any instrumental examination, or should I tell my family not to worry too much? Even if there is something, it should be fine if I swallowed it...
I'm a bit concerned about it getting stuck in my throat or perforating my internal organs.
However, my family says I watch too many cartoons, and that getting something stuck in the throat would be very uncomfortable, as my mother experienced it before and said it felt very obvious.
Additionally, I would like to ask the doctor, if it’s not a fish bone, is the area around the esophagus and near the tonsils that sensitive? Would something hard or the fibers from sweet potato cause a sudden pain? Is this a normal sensation? Thank you for your response!

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

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine

Dear Mr.
Ye Ye:
1.
The cod fish bones or the coarse fibers from sweet potatoes that you mentioned may scrape the mucosal cells as they pass through our digestive tract; however, due to the strong acidity of gastric juice and the action of digestive enzymes, theoretically, they should not cause any harm.

2.
If you have further questions, I recommend discussing them with your family physician or visiting a gastroenterology clinic at a regional hospital or higher.

Reply Date: 2020/12/09

More Info

When it comes to swallowing fish bones or any other sharp objects, it’s understandable to feel anxious about potential complications. Based on your description, it seems that you experienced a sensation of discomfort after swallowing, but you did not have any immediate severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, severe pain, or persistent discomfort. Here’s a breakdown of what you should consider regarding your situation.

When to Seek Medical Attention
1. Persistent Pain or Discomfort: If you continue to feel pain in your throat or chest, or if the discomfort worsens over time, it’s essential to seek medical attention. This could indicate that something is lodged in your esophagus or that there is irritation or injury.

2. Difficulty Swallowing: If you experience difficulty swallowing or a sensation that something is stuck in your throat, you should consult a healthcare professional. This could be a sign that a foreign object is obstructing your esophagus.

3. Signs of Infection: If you develop a fever, chills, or any signs of infection, it’s crucial to seek medical help. These symptoms could indicate that there is an injury or infection resulting from the swallowed object.

4. Respiratory Issues: If you experience coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing, you should seek emergency medical care immediately. These symptoms could suggest that the object has entered the airway.

Diagnostic Procedures
If you decide to seek medical attention, the doctor may recommend imaging studies such as an X-ray or an endoscopy to visualize the esophagus and determine if there is a foreign body present. An endoscopy is particularly useful as it allows the physician to directly see and potentially remove any lodged objects.

Sensitivity of the Esophagus and Throat
The esophagus and the area around the tonsils are indeed sensitive. It’s not uncommon to feel discomfort or a “scratching” sensation after swallowing something fibrous or sharp, even if it’s not a fish bone. The esophagus is lined with mucous membranes that can become irritated by rough or sharp objects, leading to temporary discomfort.

Conclusion
In summary, while your initial symptoms may not seem severe, it’s essential to monitor your condition closely. If you experience any worsening symptoms or new concerns, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to potential foreign body ingestion. If you feel uncertain or anxious about your symptoms, discussing your concerns with a healthcare provider can provide peace of mind and appropriate care.

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