What to Do If You Swallow a Fish Bone: Expert Advice

Swallowing a fishbone?

Hello Dr.
Chen: What should I do if I swallowed a fish bone? It is a medium-sized bone from a grouper, and it seems to have already gone into my stomach.
Thank you.

Tim, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/04/27

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello, if a fishbone has been swallowed, it will quickly pass through the stomach to the intestines.
Unless it perforates the intestinal wall and presents symptoms of peritonitis, it will usually be expelled with the feces.
Wishing you health, Dr.
Chen Qi-Feng, Taoyuan General Hospital, Department of Health.

Reply Date: 2010/04/27

More Info

If you accidentally swallow a fish bone, especially one that feels like it has already gone down into your stomach, there are several steps you can take to ensure your safety and well-being. Here’s a comprehensive guide based on medical advice:
1. Stay Calm: The first step is to remain calm. Swallowing a fish bone is a common occurrence, and most of the time, it passes through the digestive system without causing any harm.

2. Do Not Induce Vomiting: It’s important not to try to induce vomiting. Doing so can cause the bone to become lodged in your throat or esophagus, leading to more complications.

3. Drink Water: Drinking plenty of water can help wash the bone down. Some people find that swallowing a piece of bread or a banana can help as well, as these foods can help push the bone through the digestive tract.

4. Monitor Symptoms: Pay attention to how you feel. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention:
- Severe pain in the throat, chest, or abdomen
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Persistent coughing or gagging
- Blood in your saliva or stool
- Fever or signs of infection
5. Seek Medical Attention: If you have any concerns or if the symptoms mentioned above occur, it’s crucial to visit a healthcare professional. They may perform an X-ray or endoscopy to locate the bone and determine the best course of action.

6. Follow-Up Care: If the fish bone is located in the esophagus or stomach, your doctor may recommend monitoring it for a few days to see if it passes naturally. In some cases, if the bone does not pass or if it causes complications, further intervention may be necessary.

7. Prevention for the Future: To avoid swallowing fish bones in the future, be cautious when eating fish, especially those known to have small, sharp bones. Always check your food before swallowing, and consider using a fork to separate the meat from the bones.

In summary, while swallowing a fish bone can be alarming, most cases resolve without intervention. However, it’s essential to monitor your symptoms and seek medical advice if you experience any complications. Remember, your health and safety should always come first. If you have any doubts or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Similar Q&A

How to Remove a Fish Bone Stuck in Your Throat Safely

Yesterday, while eating fish, I accidentally swallowed a fish bone. I initially thought that swallowing some rice would help, but it still feels stuck in my throat. I decided to wait until tomorrow morning to see if it would resolve itself, but it still feels lodged. What methods...

Dr. Ye Dawei reply Otolaryngology
Please schedule an appointment with the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) department for an endoscopic examination.

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.

Dealing with Fish Bone Throat Injuries: When to Seek Further Medical Help

Hello doctor, last night I accidentally swallowed a fish bone while eating milkfish, and now I have a sensation of a foreign body and pain in my throat. I went to the clinic for an examination this morning, where they checked my oral cavity and performed an endoscopy, but they di...

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello, if a physician has already examined you and found no foreign objects, you can observe your condition on your own. However, if the throat pain continues to worsen or is accompanied by fever, it is advisable to return for a follow-up examination. Additionally, if a fishbone ...

How to Handle Fish Bone Throat Injuries: Essential Steps and Precautions

Hello doctor, my family member got a fish bone stuck in their throat near the tonsils while eating fish at night. We tried to remove it but failed and are hesitant to try again due to bleeding. I have read that 1) we should not swallow food as it may push the bone deeper, 2) we c...

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: If the foreign object does not dislodge on its own and throat pain persists, it is recommended to seek medical attention immediately to have the foreign object removed. As for the method of removal, it may need to be determined by a clinical physician based on the situatio...