Fish bone stuck in your throat? Here's how to get rid of it

Gourmandize

Getting a fish bone stuck in your throat is a terrible feeling - it hurts, it's uncomfortable and it can be frightening to think that it may cause serious damage.

Don't panic: if you find yourself in this position, this is what you should do. 

1. COUGH.  It seems obvious, but if the bone isn't too stuck, clearing your throat and coughing should be enough to drive it out.

2. DRINK WARM SALTY WATER.  Take big gulps, and see if this helps to dissolve the bone. 

3. DRINK LEMON WATER OR COKE. The acid in these drinks can help to dissolve very fine bones.

4. DRINK OLIVE OIL. Lubricating the esophagus with oil might just be enough to let it slip out.

5. EAT BREAD OR RICE. Swallow balls of bread soaked in warm water or milk, or balls of cooked rice. This is one of the most effective ways to dislodge a fish bone. The trick is to swallow them without chewing much, so they need to be very small or you risk choking. 

6. WAIT IT OUT. It turns out that many of the times we think a bone is stuck in our throat, it is actually just the scratch from a bone (which is long gone) that is causing pain and irritation. A Quora contributor who works in ER estimated that in about 75% of the cases he'd seen, the bone had since been washed away.  So, if the pain is not extreme and is not interfering with your breathing, wait it out and see if it goes away on it's own. 

On the other hand, if you are in extreme discomfort, you should definitely.... 

7. GO TO THE DOCTOR. If none of the above methods have worked, do not hesitate to seek the help of a specialist. If a bone is seriously stuck, it can risk piercing the esophagus, which can cause serious problems. Don't take the risk. 

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