Shirley Ballas, one of the judges on Strictly Come Dancing, recently shared a frightening experience where she had a fish bone stuck in her throat. The incident lasted for 20 minutes, during which she struggled to breathe until her hair and makeup artist managed to dislodge the bone using the Heimlich manoeuvre.
This is not an uncommon occurrence, as fish bones are one of the most common reasons people end up in the emergency department. This is especially common in Asian countries where diets include a lot of fish. In fact, there are specialist fish bone removal clinics in China due to the prevalence of this issue.
Fish bones, particularly the small “pin” bones found in fillets, can be dangerous if accidentally swallowed. Cod can have around 17 pin bones, while salmon can have over 30. Eel bones and flounder bones are also problematic due to their size and shape, making them easy to get stuck in the throat.
If a fish bone is swallowed accidentally, it can become lodged in various areas of the throat, including the tonsils, pharynx, piriform sinus, and esophagus. Symptoms may include coughing, a sensation of something stuck in the throat, difficulty swallowing, and even spitting up blood.
In some cases, fish bones can go unnoticed and remain lodged in the throat for extended periods of time. This can lead to complications such as migration to other areas of the neck, including muscles and under the skin. In severe cases, fish bones can cause infections, abscesses, and even lead to sepsis.
If you accidentally swallow a fish bone, it is important to try to remove it as soon as possible. Forceful coughing may help dislodge the bone if it is stuck in the airway, but in many cases, endoscopic removal may be necessary. Eating bread or banana to force the bone down is not recommended, as it could worsen the situation.
If symptoms persist and coughing does not help, seeking medical advice is crucial. In cases where the person is unable to speak or breathe, abdominal thrusts may be necessary to dislodge the bone. Emergency services should be contacted immediately in such situations.
It is important to be cautious when consuming fish to avoid accidental swallowing of bones. Properly inspecting fillets before consumption and taking care while eating can help prevent such incidents. If an accident does occur, prompt action and seeking medical help are essential to avoid complications.
