The situation of choking on fish bones is very common in life, which is why many methods have been created to alleviate this uncomfortable condition. So what is the best thing to do when choking on fish bones or chicken bones?
1. Improper handling of choking on bones can be dangerous
In reality, when choking on fish bones, if you are certain that it is just a small bone and that swallowing food can help push the bone down, few people realize that this is also a risky approach, as it may cause the bone to lodge deeper in the throat. Additionally, applying some folk remedies that are passed down through word of mouth has no basis and is unscientific; it is best not to waste time trying them.
If you accidentally swallow large or sharp bones, it can potentially cause tears in the esophagus or blood vessels. At this point, do not delay; quickly go to a medical facility for a doctor to examine and address the issue. Many people have suffered from complications such as arterial tears, abscesses, or pleural effusions, etc,... due to leaving large or sharp bones lodged for too long. In many cases, the mortality rate is very high.
2. What to do when choking on a bone?
When choking on fish or chicken bones, you will notice a foreign object stuck in your throat causing discomfort. Swallowing saliva or food may cause pain due to the bone piercing the mucosa. At this point, remain calm and follow these guidelines
- Stop swallowing immediately: Many people try to swallow to help the bone go down, but this can inadvertently push the bone deeper and cause more damage. You should also avoid forceful coughing or trying to eat anything to push the bone down, as this can easily lead to choking.
- Try to vomit as soon as possible: Be careful not to use your hands to reach into your throat, as this action can push the bone deeper.
- Stay calm, open your mouth wide, and ask someone nearby to check your throat with a flashlight. If the bone is visible, use medical forceps to remove it.
- Monitor whether you still feel pain or discomfort when swallowing saliva. If you feel that the bone is still lodged somewhere in your throat, go to a medical facility for a doctor to examine and address the issue. Do not wait too long, as this can lead to complications and make treatment more complicated.
3. Some notes when self-treating choking on fish bones at home
Many people, when choking on fish bones, often use their hands to dig in their throat, swallow hot rice, or drink water. However, ENT specialists indicate that these methods are very dangerous, as they can cause the fish bone to go deeper or pierce and cause injury, potentially leading to a tear in the esophagus.
If you accidentally choke on a fish bone, you should not try to swallow it; instead, try to vomit it out as soon as possible. Be careful not to dig into your throat, as this can lead to excessive vomiting, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
To avoid choking on bones while eating at home, it is best to separate the meat from the bones, ensuring they are not mixed together. While eating, focus on your food and avoid talking or laughing at the same time. Eat slowly, chew thoroughly, and do not rush your meals. If feeding small children or the elderly fish, make sure to carefully remove all bones and check the food thoroughly before serving. Choose fish with fewer bones to prevent choking.
Choking on fish bones is an accident that no one desires. If you happen to choke on a fish bone or chicken bone, you should cough it out rather than swallow it. If you accidentally choke on a large bone or if it is lodged too deeply, you should see a doctor for timely intervention.
Vinmec International General Hospital is currently a reliable health examination address for everyone. The examination process at Vinmec always meets high standards, with a team of qualified doctors who have trained in both domestic and international environments. The facilities and modern equipment ensure that the examination and treatment processes are carried out effectively. Therefore, customers can be completely assured when visiting the hospital for check-ups.
To arrange an appointment, please call HOTLINE or make your reservation directly HERE. You may also download the MyVinmec app to schedule appointments faster and manage your reservations more conveniently.
