Swallowing fish bones for a few days is considered fine

If there are no discomfort symptoms and normal swallowing within 72 hours after a fishbone gets stuck in the throat, it is usually considered safe, but caution should be taken against delayed complications. Observing changes in symptoms, seeking medical attention promptly, avoiding mishandling, understanding risk factors, and mastering family emergency measures are key.

1. Observation period assessment: 24-48 hours after the fish bone gets stuck in the throat is the critical period. If there is persistent pain, difficulty swallowing, or fever, immediate medical attention is required. If there are no abnormalities after 72 hours, in most cases, the fish bones have already fallen off or dissolved on their own. Suggest using a mirror to self examine the throat or having family members assist in observation.

2. Medical indications: When there is pain behind the sternum, vomiting blood, and neck swelling, it may indicate that fish bones have penetrated the esophagus. A laryngoscope, CT or gastroscopy examination is required, and the doctor may use foreign body forceps for removal, mucosal repair surgery or antibiotic treatment. Delaying treatment may lead to serious complications such as mediastinal infection.

3. Error handling: swallowing Rice and vegetable roll, drinking vinegar and other methods may make the fish bones stick deeper. The correct approach is to stop eating and cough lightly to try to expel. Children or the elderly who experience stabbing should immediately fast and maintain a lowered posture to reduce the risk of stabbing.

4. Risk factors: Children are more likely to get stuck due to throat stenosis, and elderly people may have asymptomatic perforation due to poor esophageal elasticity. The incidence is high when consuming prickly fish such as crucian carp and silver carp. Reduced swallowing sensitivity and increased risk after drinking alcohol.

5. Family emergency: Prepare flashlights and tweezers for self inspection, but do not forcefully operate them. Ice water can be taken to relieve swelling, and mucosal protectants such as sucralfate suspension can be taken. When processing fish in daily life, use a filter to filter the fish soup and choose less spiny varieties such as cod and salmon.

Prevention is more important than handling. Avoid joking and distracting during meals, and it is recommended to remove thorns from children's food in advance. Master the Heimlich first aid method and regularly check if dentures are loose. Suspected symptoms should be investigated even if they have been present for more than 72 hours, as foreign bodies in the esophagus may take several days to develop symptoms of infection.