If you swallow a fish bone, here are the recommended steps and considerations:

Immediate Actions to Try at Home

• Cough forcefully to try to dislodge the bone from the throat.
• Swallow soft, bulky foods that might help carry the bone down safely, such as a large bite of banana, a chunk of moistened bread, or a partially chewed marshmallow. These foods can stick to the bone and help push it into the stomach where it will be digested

• Drink olive oil (1-2 tablespoons) to lubricate the throat and help the bone slide down more easily

• Avoid swallowing hard or sharp foods like rice balls, as they can make the bone penetrate deeper or cause injury

When to Seek Medical Help

• If you experience difficulty swallowing or breathing , persistent pain , or bleeding (such as spitting blood), go to a doctor or emergency room immediately

• If the bone feels lodged deep in the esophagus and you cannot swallow food or liquids, urgent medical attention is necessary

• If home remedies fail and discomfort persists, it is best to see a healthcare professional, preferably an ENT specialist, who can safely remove the bone using tools like a nasoendoscope and forceps

Important Notes

• Fish bones do not dissolve in the throat or stomach acid, so waiting for it to disappear is not effective

• Avoid trying to remove the bone with fingers or tweezers unless it is clearly visible and easily reachable, as this can cause injury or push the bone deeper

• Do not go to bed if you suspect a bone is stuck, as complications can arise overnight

Possible Complications

If untreated, a stuck fish bone can cause:

• Throat or esophageal injury
• Infection or abscess formation
• Puncture of the esophagus or nearby blood vessels (rare but serious)
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing

Summary

Try to dislodge the fish bone by coughing or swallowing soft foods like banana, bread, or marshmallow, and lubricate with olive oil. If you experience bleeding, severe pain, difficulty swallowing, or breathing problems, seek immediate medical care. Do not rely on the bone dissolving on its own, and avoid risky home removal attempts. Medical professionals can safely remove the bone if needed.