Concerns About Swallowing Chicken Bones: ENT Insights and Recommendations

Issues related to ingesting chicken bones?

Hello, doctor.
A couple of days ago, I accidentally swallowed a chicken bone.
For the first 1-2 days, I felt slight pain when swallowing saliva, and starting on the third day, I began to experience pain in my neck and ears.
Today is the fifth day, and I have already sought medical attention.
They performed a nasal endoscopy and found a small injury but did not see anything lodged.
I was prescribed stomach medication and three days' worth of Clonazepam.

I would like to ask, since the doctor who examined me said they did not see anything lodged and therefore did not recommend an X-ray (as it was nearly 11:30 PM), and mentioned that I would have to wait over thirty minutes for the X-ray, I thought it might be better not to have the X-ray to avoid delaying the doctor’s rest.
Is it sufficient that the nasal endoscopy showed no obstruction, or should I go back for an X-ray?
Additionally, if there is a small injury, how long does it typically take to heal? I mentioned the ear pain, but the doctor did not examine my ears.
I am unsure if I should seek further evaluation elsewhere.
Thank you for your response.

Niming, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/12/07

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Wound healing generally takes about a week.
If symptoms improve, self-monitoring is acceptable.
However, if throat pain continues to worsen or if swallowing discomfort persists, it is advisable to seek medical attention for further evaluation.

Reply Date: 2022/12/07

More Info

When it comes to swallowing chicken bones, it’s understandable to have concerns, especially when experiencing pain or discomfort afterward. Based on your description, it seems you have already sought medical attention and undergone a nasal endoscopy, which is a good first step. The fact that the doctor did not see any foreign object lodged in your throat is reassuring, but let's delve deeper into your situation.

1. Understanding the Symptoms: The pain you are experiencing while swallowing saliva, as well as the subsequent pain in your neck and ears, could be attributed to a few factors. First, it’s possible that the chicken bone caused a minor injury or abrasion in your throat, leading to inflammation. This could explain the localized pain and discomfort. The pain radiating to your ears could be due to referred pain, which is common in throat injuries, as the nerves in the throat and ears are closely connected.

2. Nasal Endoscopy vs. X-ray: The nasal endoscopy is a useful tool for visualizing the throat and nasal passages, and if the doctor did not see any obstruction, that is a positive sign. However, if you are still experiencing significant pain, it might be worth considering an X-ray. While the doctor may have felt it unnecessary at the time, an X-ray can help rule out any small fragments of bone that may not have been visible during the endoscopy. If your symptoms persist or worsen, returning for an X-ray could provide additional peace of mind.

3. Healing Time for Minor Injuries: If there is indeed a small injury or abrasion in your throat, the healing time can vary. Generally, minor injuries in the throat can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks to heal, depending on the severity. During this time, it’s essential to stay hydrated and avoid irritants such as spicy foods, alcohol, and tobacco, which can exacerbate the pain.

4. Ear Pain Consideration: Since you mentioned ear pain but did not receive an examination for it, it might be prudent to follow up with an ENT specialist. Ear pain can sometimes be a sign of an underlying issue, such as an ear infection or Eustachian tube dysfunction, especially if it persists. An ENT can provide a thorough examination and determine if any additional treatment is necessary.

5. When to Seek Further Medical Attention: If you experience worsening symptoms, such as increased pain, difficulty swallowing, fever, or any signs of infection (like swelling or redness), it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. These could indicate a more serious complication that may require intervention.

In summary, while your initial examination and treatment seem appropriate, it’s essential to monitor your symptoms closely. If pain persists or worsens, consider returning for an X-ray and possibly a follow-up with an ENT specialist to ensure there are no underlying issues that need to be addressed. Healing from minor throat injuries can take time, but with proper care and monitoring, you should see improvement.

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