Two Weeks of Discomfort: Chicken Bone Stuck in Throat Symptoms - Otolaryngology

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A chicken bone has been lodged in the throat for about two weeks?


Hello doctor, about two weeks ago, I accidentally swallowed a small chicken bone that was approximately 2 to 3 centimeters long while eating, and it got stuck in my left throat.
Despite trying various methods, I have been unable to remove it.
I still feel like it is lodged in my throat because when I tilt my head to the left, I not only feel something scraping against my throat but also a sensation of pressure, making it uncomfortable to stay in that position for too long.
Additionally, I have left neck muscle pain and a sore throat, with a slight burning sensation on the left side of my tongue.
In the morning, my left throat feels dry and painful, and I occasionally experience pain in the left side of my chest along with coughing.
However, I can eat normally, although I sometimes feel a sensation of hitting the bone when swallowing larger pieces of food, like chicken nuggets.
I am unsure if this foreign body sensation is caused by gastroesophageal reflux or if the chicken bone is still stuck in my throat.

Ms. Tsai, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/02/15

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology


Hello, if you continue to feel discomfort in your throat, it is recommended to visit an ENT specialist at a clinic or hospital for an examination.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Cheng Jue-Yi, Head of ENT Department, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2022/02/15

More Info


It sounds like you are experiencing a significant amount of discomfort after accidentally swallowing a small chicken bone about two weeks ago. Based on your description, it is possible that the bone is still lodged in your throat, which could explain the persistent sensation of something being stuck, as well as the pain and discomfort you are feeling in your throat, neck, and chest.

When a foreign object, such as a chicken bone, becomes lodged in the throat, it can lead to various symptoms. These may include a sensation of something being stuck, pain or discomfort in the throat, difficulty swallowing, and even referred pain to the neck or chest. The fact that you are experiencing muscle pain in your neck and a burning sensation on the left side of your tongue could be related to irritation from the bone or muscle tension resulting from the discomfort.

The dry pain you feel in the morning could also be a result of irritation in the throat, which may be exacerbated by sleeping in a position that puts pressure on the area. Additionally, the occasional pain in your left chest and coughing could be due to the irritation of the esophagus or throat, or even a reaction to the discomfort you are experiencing.

It is important to note that while you can still eat normally, the sensation of the bone touching your throat when swallowing larger pieces of food is concerning. This could indicate that the bone is still present and may be causing irritation or injury to the surrounding tissues.
In terms of management, it is crucial to seek medical attention if you have not already done so. A healthcare professional can perform a thorough examination, which may include imaging studies such as X-rays or a direct examination of your throat using an endoscope. This will help determine whether the bone is still lodged in your throat or if your symptoms are due to other causes, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

If the bone is confirmed to be lodged, it may need to be removed by a medical professional. Attempting to remove it yourself can lead to further injury or complications. If it is not present, your doctor can provide guidance on managing your symptoms, which may include medications to reduce inflammation or irritation, as well as recommendations for dietary modifications to ease swallowing.

In the meantime, you may find relief by drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding hard or sharp foods, and using throat lozenges to soothe irritation. However, these measures are not a substitute for professional medical evaluation and treatment.

In summary, your symptoms suggest that you may still have a chicken bone lodged in your throat, which requires medical evaluation. Please seek medical attention as soon as possible to address your symptoms and ensure that any foreign object is safely removed if necessary.

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