Imagine eating fish and suddenly feeling a sharp bone lodged in your throat. Your first instinct may be to swallow a large ball of garri, bread or banana to push it down. But that move could make the situation worse.
A fish bone can scratch or become embedded in the throat or oesophagus. In some cases, it can cause serious injury or infection.
Here are five mistakes to avoid.
1. Don’t force food down your throat. Swallowing large balls of food to push the bone down is not a reliable solution. It may drive the bone deeper or worsen an injury.
2. Don’t try to remove it with your fingers. Blindly putting your fingers into your throat can push the bone further in or cause additional injury.
3. Don’t keep swallowing to test it. Repeated swallowing may increase pain and irritation. If you feel a sharp, persistent sensation, stop eating and seek medical assessment.
4. Don’t ignore breathing difficulties. If you cannot breathe, speak or cough effectively, treat it as an emergency. Get immediate help.
5. Don’t delay if the pain continues. A bone stuck in the throat may need to be removed by a trained medical professional. Seek urgent care, especially if you have difficulty swallowing saliva, bleeding, neck swelling, fever or worsening pain.
The important thing to remember: A fish bone is not something to experiment with. Don’t force it down with food or attempt a risky home removal. Get medical help if the sensation persists or you suspect a bone is lodged.
Leave a Reply