Symptoms of Fish Bone Obstruction: What You Need to Know

Q: Symptoms of Fish Bone Obstruction: What You Need to Know

Hello： Generally, if a fish bone gets stuck, there is often a noticeable pain or sharp sensation when swallowing. <br>If the sensation is odd or only slightly uncomfortable, it is usually caused by mild inflammation or a small abrasion. <br>It is recommended that if there is no i

Possible symptoms of a fishbone stuck in the throat?

Hello, Doctor.
During lunch today, I had a dish with salmon.
While eating, I wasn't sure if my throat was too dry or if I actually swallowed a fish bone.
Towards the end of the meal, I felt a brief pain in my throat when I swallowed a bite.
I still managed to swallow the food, and immediately after, I drank some water to check if there was anything stuck, but I didn't feel any pain or foreign body sensation.
Additionally, I had dinner and drank water later without any issues; swallowing didn't cause discomfort, and I didn't feel anything lodged in my throat.
However, I am quite anxious, and after that experience at lunch, I keep thinking that there might be a fish bone stuck, which feels strange.
So, I would like to ask the doctor, what are the chances that I actually have something lodged? Or is it more likely a psychological factor? (Since swallowing and drinking water have not caused any discomfort.) Also, if a fish bone were truly lodged in the throat, what symptoms would typically present? *Assuming I didn't swallow a fish bone while eating this piece of fish, I didn't find any bones in it.
The piece of fish was quite large, so I assume if there were bones, there would likely be more than one, right? Thank you for your response, Doctor!

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/09/28

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello: Generally, if a fish bone gets stuck, there is often a noticeable pain or sharp sensation when swallowing.
If the sensation is odd or only slightly uncomfortable, it is usually caused by mild inflammation or a small abrasion.
It is recommended that if there is no improvement after observing for a while, a detailed medical examination should be sought.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Jue-Yi Cheng, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2013/09/28

More Info

When it comes to the concern of swallowing a fish bone, it’s important to understand the symptoms and potential complications that may arise. Based on your description, it seems you had a moment of discomfort while eating salmon, which led you to worry about the possibility of a fish bone being lodged in your throat.
First, let's clarify the symptoms associated with fish bone obstruction. If a fish bone does get lodged in the throat, you may experience a variety of symptoms, including:
1. Sore Throat: A persistent pain in the throat, especially when swallowing.

2. Difficulty Swallowing: A sensation that food is stuck or a feeling of tightness in the throat.

3. Coughing: An involuntary cough may occur as your body attempts to expel the foreign object.

4. Drooling: Increased saliva production can happen as a response to irritation.

5. Gagging or Choking: In more severe cases, you may experience gagging or a choking sensation.

6. Pain: Sharp pain in the throat or chest area, particularly when swallowing.

In your case, since you mentioned that you were able to swallow food and water without discomfort afterward, it is less likely that a fish bone is lodged in your throat. The initial pain you felt could have been due to a dry throat or a minor irritation rather than an obstruction. Psychological factors can also play a significant role in how we perceive discomfort; anxiety about the possibility of having swallowed a bone can amplify sensations and lead to a heightened awareness of throat discomfort.

If a fish bone does become lodged, it typically does not remain unnoticed for long. Most individuals will experience ongoing discomfort, and symptoms will usually worsen over time if the bone is indeed stuck. If you were to have a fish bone lodged in your throat, you would likely notice persistent pain, difficulty swallowing, or other symptoms mentioned above.

As for your concern about the likelihood of having swallowed a fish bone without noticing it, it is indeed possible to consume fish that may have small bones, especially if the fish is not properly filleted. However, larger fish bones are generally more noticeable and can cause immediate discomfort if swallowed. If you did not feel any further discomfort after the initial incident, it is likely that you either did not swallow a bone or that any small bone you may have swallowed passed through your digestive system without causing issues.

In conclusion, while it’s always wise to be cautious about swallowing foreign objects, your current lack of symptoms suggests that you are likely in the clear. However, if you begin to experience any of the symptoms associated with fish bone obstruction, such as persistent pain, difficulty swallowing, or any other concerning signs, it would be prudent to seek medical attention. In the meantime, try to stay calm and monitor your symptoms. If you feel anxious, discussing your concerns with a healthcare professional can provide reassurance and guidance.

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