According to Dr. Zhu Renliang, head of the otolaryngology department at Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China, getting a fishbone stuck in the throat is a frequent occurrence.
He shared a simple and safe trick that can be done at home: gargling forcefully with water.
Dr. Zhu advises taking a glass of water, taking a large sip, tilting the head back, and gargling vigorously to create pressure against the throat. Repeating this several times and spitting out the water forcefully can dislodge the fishbone.
However, this method is only effective if the fishbone is lodged in the throat and hasn't entered the esophagus. It also works best with small, blunt bones. If the bone is large, sharp, or deeply embedded, the water pressure won't be sufficient. Importantly, never swallow the gargling water, as this could push the bone further down.
 |
Tilting the head back and gargling forcefully can dislodge a fishbone. Photo: Aboluowang |
Tilting the head back and gargling forcefully can dislodge a fishbone. Photo: Aboluowang
A fishbone getting stuck is a common occurrence, and many folk remedies exist. Some believe that drinking vinegar can soften the bone, thinking the acetic acid will react with the calcium. However, Dr. Zhu explains that acetic acid is a weak acid, and softening a bone would require a large amount of vinegar and prolonged soaking, far more than a few sips. Therefore, this method is ineffective.
Similarly, swallowing large bites of rice or other food to push the bone down is a mistake. This can lodge the bone deeper into the throat lining or push it into the esophagus, making removal more difficult. If the bone reaches the stomach or intestines, it can puncture tissue, causing peritonitis, a potentially life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention.
If pain, burning, or a persistent sensation of something stuck in the throat remains after gargling, seek medical attention immediately. Self-treatment or delay can lead to more serious complications.
Bao Nhien (From Aboluowang)
