What You Should Do If a Fish Bone is Stuck in Your Throat

It’s happened to the best of us — you’re enjoying a delicious fish dinner when, out of nowhere, a tiny bone makes itself known in the most unwelcome way. Feeling a fish bone stuck in your throat can range from mildly irritating to downright uncomfortable, but before you panic, take a deep breath (figuratively, of course). Most of the time, it’s a fixable problem that doesn’t require a trip to the emergency room. Let’s walk through the steps to resolve it safely.

Step 1: Stay Calm

The first and most important thing to do is remain calm. While it’s natural to feel a bit panicked, staying composed helps you assess the situation and take appropriate action.

Step 2: Assess the Severity

Ask yourself a few key questions: Can you breathe and swallow without extreme pain? Does the bone feel small or sharp? Is it causing significant discomfort?

If you’re struggling to breathe or swallow, or if the pain is severe, seek medical attention immediately. For minor cases, move on to the next steps.

Step 3: Try These Simple Solutions

1. Cough Gently

Sometimes, a natural reflex like coughing can dislodge the bone. Avoid forceful coughing, as it might push the bone deeper.

2. Drink Water or Eat Soft Foods

A sip of water or a bite of soft bread can help push the bone down into your stomach, where it will usually dissolve without causing harm. Bananas or cooked rice are also good options.

3. Use Olive Oil

A teaspoon of olive oil can coat your throat and make it easier for the bone to slide down.

4. Avoid Sharp or Sticky Foods

While it might seem like eating crackers or peanut butter could help, these can actually make the situation worse by trapping the bone further.

Step 4: Check with a Mirror (If Possible)

If the bone feels close to the surface, use a flashlight and a clean mirror to inspect the back of your throat. If you can see the bone clearly, you might be able to remove it gently with tweezers. Make sure the tweezers are sterilised to prevent infection.

Step 5: When to See a Doctor

While most fish bones pass naturally or can be managed at home, some situations require medical attention. Seek help if: the bone is deeply lodged and causing severe pain; there’s swelling or difficulty breathing; the bone hasn’t dislodged after trying the above methods. Doctors can use specialized tools to remove the bone quickly and safely.

Prevention Tips for the Future

To avoid fish bones getting stuck in your throat, try these tips:

• Choose boneless fillets when possible.
• Chew fish thoroughly before swallowing.
• Teach children to eat fish carefully and check their portions for small bones.
• Use proper lighting at the dinner table to spot any hidden bones.