Symptoms of Throat Discomfort After Fish Bone Incident - Otolaryngology

Share to:

Symptoms that may occur from a fish bone stuck in the throat include: 1. A sensation of something being lodged in the throat. 2. Pain or discomfort in the throat, especially when swallowing. 3. Difficulty swallowing or a feeling of tightness in the


Hello Doctor, I visited the clinic on Monday, and the doctor mentioned that my throat was inflamed with some pus and had a granular appearance.
I have been taking my medication as prescribed, and I feel that there has been some improvement.
Initially, swallowing saliva made me feel nauseous, but now it rarely triggers that sensation, although it still feels slightly uncomfortable.
After my follow-up appointment on Thursday, the doctor said my condition had improved compared to Monday.
I asked if there was something stuck in my throat or if there was an infection, and the doctor confirmed that there was nothing obstructing it, just some wounds that need time to heal.
Therefore, I suspect that the issue is more related to a cold rather than something actually lodged in my throat, like a fishbone.
I would appreciate your insights on this matter, as I can eat, drink, and speak normally without significant pain or discomfort; it’s just that swallowing saliva feels a bit off.
Thank you for your guidance!

Nìmíng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/10/03

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology


Hello, if you have already been examined and it is likely that your throat discomfort is caused by an infection, you can take medication and drink plenty of water to monitor your condition.
If there is no improvement, you will need to seek medical attention again.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2013/10/03

More Info


It sounds like you have been experiencing throat discomfort following an incident where you may have ingested a fish bone. Based on your description, it seems that you have been evaluated by a physician who noted signs of inflammation and possible infection in your throat. You mentioned that you initially had a strong urge to vomit when swallowing saliva, but this has improved, and now you only feel a slight discomfort when swallowing.

From a medical perspective, the symptoms you are experiencing could be attributed to several factors. First, the presence of a fish bone can cause mechanical irritation or injury to the throat, leading to inflammation. Even if the bone has been cleared, the tissue may still be healing, which can cause discomfort. The fact that your doctor did not find any foreign body during the examination is reassuring, as it suggests that the immediate risk of obstruction or further injury is low.

The presence of pus and the "grainy" appearance in your throat could indicate a secondary infection, possibly due to the initial injury or irritation caused by the fish bone. This is not uncommon, as the throat is a sensitive area that can easily become inflamed or infected, especially after trauma. The improvement in your symptoms, such as the reduction in the urge to vomit when swallowing, is a positive sign that your condition is improving.

You also mentioned that you are able to eat, drink, and speak normally without significant pain or discomfort, which is encouraging. This suggests that while there may still be some inflammation or irritation, it is not severe enough to impede your daily activities. The slight sensation of discomfort when swallowing could be due to residual inflammation or scarring from the injury, which should gradually resolve as the tissues heal.

In terms of management, it is essential to continue following your doctor's recommendations, including taking any prescribed medications. If you were given antibiotics, it's crucial to complete the full course, even if you start feeling better. Additionally, staying hydrated and avoiding irritants such as spicy foods, alcohol, or tobacco can help facilitate healing.

If your symptoms do not continue to improve or if you experience any new symptoms, such as increased pain, difficulty breathing, or fever, it would be wise to return to your healthcare provider for further evaluation. They may consider additional treatments, such as a throat culture to check for bacterial infections or further imaging if there are concerns about residual injury.

In summary, while your symptoms are concerning, the improvement you have noted is a positive sign. It is likely that the discomfort you feel when swallowing is related to the healing process following the initial injury. Continue to monitor your symptoms and maintain communication with your healthcare provider to ensure a full recovery.

Similar Q&A

Persistent Throat Discomfort After Fish Bone Incident: What to Do?

Hello, Dr. Yeh. I choked on a fish bone while drinking fish soup at the beginning of December. After a week, I noticed that my throat felt swollen, and swallowing food felt like there was a foreign body, along with a sensation of heat and irritation. I went to the ENT department ...


Dr. Ye Dawei reply Otolaryngology
Mr. Lun, your issue may just be a sensation of a foreign body. However, for safety reasons, please consult an otolaryngologist for an endoscopic examination.

[Read More] Persistent Throat Discomfort After Fish Bone Incident: What to Do?


Understanding Throat Discomfort After Fish Bone Injury: Causes and Solutions

Hello Doctor: I got a fishbone stuck in my throat two weeks ago. I didn't seek medical attention immediately because I thought it was okay, but after two days I still felt uneasy and went to see a doctor. As of today, I have visited an otolaryngologist three times regarding ...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: If you have already been examined by a physician and currently have no obvious pain, the sensation of tightness may be related to inflammation. It is advisable to monitor the situation. If there is no significant improvement, you will need to continue follow-up visits for ...

[Read More] Understanding Throat Discomfort After Fish Bone Injury: Causes and Solutions


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.

[Read More] Concerns About Swallowing Fish Bones: What to Watch For


Concerns About Fish Bones: What to Do If You Suspect Ingestion

Hello doctor, while I was having dinner with cod fish, I might have accidentally swallowed a small fish bone near the fin area. Later, I induced vomiting and expelled a lot of vegetables and fish, but I still feel a strange sensation in my throat. Although I don't experience...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, based on your description, it seems that you likely did not swallow a fishbone. The throat pain may be caused by forceful coughing. I suggest not to worry too much. Thank you for your inquiry.

[Read More] Concerns About Fish Bones: What to Do If You Suspect Ingestion


Related FAQ

Fish Bone Stuck In Throat

(Otolaryngology)

Fish Bone Ingestion

(Otolaryngology)

Fish Bone

(Otolaryngology)

Sore Throat

(Otolaryngology)

Accidental Ingestion

(Otolaryngology)

Hoarseness

(Otolaryngology)

Choking

(Otolaryngology)

Ear Pain

(Otolaryngology)

Tonsil Stones

(Otolaryngology)

Bitten Tongue

(Otolaryngology)