Suspected Fish Bone Stuck in Throat: Symptoms and Next Steps

Suspected fishbone stuck in the throat?

Hello, this morning I woke up feeling a sore throat.
Drinking water and talking didn't seem to aggravate it much, but swallowing saliva and yawning were particularly painful, and I also felt a sensation of phlegm.
I visited an ENT specialist in the morning, and the doctor noted some inflammation in my throat and tonsils, as well as white ulcerative lesions on my soft palate.
When asked if I had been poked by a hard object, I couldn't recall that I had eaten a fish bone yesterday, so I said no.
The doctor suggested that the ulcers might be due to decreased immunity from staying up late.
The doctor applied medication to my throat and tonsils and diagnosed me with the early stages of a mild cold, prescribing the following medications to take for three days to see if there is any improvement: 1.
PIROXICAM 10MG 2.
FEXODINE 60MG 3.
BROAIN S.C TABLET 4.
NOSCAPINE 20MG 5.
WEISUFU TABLETS 6.
SUMINCON TABLETS 7.
SELADIN 250MG (NAP).

Today, I have only experienced a sore throat and intermittent feelings of needing to have a bowel movement (but I haven't).
I later remembered that I had eaten eel yesterday, thinking it was safe since I didn't feel any bones, but it turned out to be full of tiny bones (none longer than 1 cm).
Some were picked out, but some were swallowed.
However, I didn't feel any foreign body sensation last night; the throat discomfort only started this morning.

I would like to ask the doctor:
1.
Can a fish bone stuck in the throat cause pain that only starts the next day?
2.
Should I return to the doctor tomorrow to explain the possibility of swallowing a fish bone and request an endoscopy? (If the bone were stuck, the doctor should have seen it when applying the medication today, right?), or should I just observe for any swelling in my neck over the next couple of days?
3.
Besides the sore throat, I currently have no other cold symptoms.
Should I start taking the medications prescribed by the doctor?
Thank you for your patience in reading this!

Xiongmao, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/10/18

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello, it is uncommon for a fishbone to get stuck in the throat and for throat pain to start the next day.
You can initially observe the situation and take medication for treatment.
If there is no improvement after three days, you should return for a follow-up examination.
However, if you develop a fever or if the throat pain continues to worsen despite medication, you should seek medical attention immediately for further evaluation.

Reply Date: 2023/10/18

More Info

It sounds like you're experiencing a concerning situation with potential fish bone ingestion and throat pain. Let's address your questions one by one, while also providing some additional context regarding symptoms and next steps.

1. Can throat pain start the day after swallowing a fish bone?
Yes, it is possible for throat pain to develop after swallowing a fish bone, even if the sensation of something being stuck was not present immediately after ingestion. The irritation caused by a fish bone can lead to inflammation in the throat, which may not manifest until hours later. The body’s inflammatory response can take time to develop, and symptoms such as pain, swelling, or discomfort can arise as the tissue reacts to the foreign object.

2. Should you see a doctor again for a possible fish bone?
Given that you have a history of eating fish with small bones and are now experiencing throat pain, it would be prudent to follow up with your doctor. An endoscopic examination may be warranted to check for any remaining foreign bodies in your throat. While the doctor may have examined your throat today, small bones can sometimes be difficult to detect, especially if they are lodged in a way that is not immediately visible. Additionally, if you notice any swelling in your neck or experience difficulty swallowing, breathing, or increased pain, seek medical attention promptly.

3. Should you take the prescribed medications?
Since you are experiencing throat pain and have been diagnosed with a mild upper respiratory infection, it is advisable to follow your doctor's instructions regarding the medications prescribed. The medications you received, such as Piroxicam (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug), can help alleviate pain and inflammation. However, if you have concerns about the medications or if your symptoms worsen, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider before continuing with the treatment.

Additional Considerations:
- Symptoms to Monitor: Keep an eye on any additional symptoms that may develop, such as fever, increased pain, difficulty swallowing, or any signs of infection (like pus or increased redness in the throat). If you experience any of these, seek medical attention immediately.

- Home Care: In the meantime, you can manage your symptoms with home remedies. Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe throat irritation. Staying hydrated is also essential, as it can help keep your throat moist and may ease discomfort.

- Dietary Adjustments: Avoiding hard or sharp foods until your throat feels better is advisable. Soft foods and liquids can help minimize irritation.

- Follow-Up: If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they worsen, return to your healthcare provider for further evaluation. It’s important to ensure that there are no complications from the potential fish bone ingestion.

In conclusion, while it is possible for throat pain to develop after swallowing a fish bone, it is essential to monitor your symptoms closely and follow up with your healthcare provider as needed. Taking the prescribed medications and practicing good self-care can help you manage your symptoms effectively.

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