Medical experts explain risks, first-aid and when to seek emergency care

As more people turn to fish for its leaner protein compared to chicken or mutton, a common hazard has emerged: accidentally swallowing a fish bone. While many small fish spines pass harmlessly into the stomach and dissolve, larger bones lodging in the throat or esophagus can cause serious complications.

Key Risks & Facts

Throat or Esophagus Lodgement: If a fish bone gets stuck in the throat or penetrates the esophagus, risks include infection of the mediastinum (area between the lungs) — a dangerous condition called mediastinitis .

Stomach Lodgement: Bones that reach the stomach generally face digestion by gastric acid and pose fewer immediate risks.

Incorrect Self-Remedy Attempts: Trying to remove bones

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