Getting a fishbone stuck in your throat is one of those unpleasant experiences that many of us have encountered. It’s annoying, uncomfortable, and can even be frightening. But before you panic and start jabbing your throat with your fingers, there are a few effective home remedies you can try that can help dislodge the bone. In this article, we’ll cover what you can eat instantly to relieve that discomfort and hopefully get that pesky bone out safely.

Swallowing a Marshmallow May Help Fish Bones Come Loose

One of the most effective methods you might not have thought of is swallowing a marshmallow. Yes, you heard that right—a marshmallow! Due to their sticky and soft texture, marshmallows can be effective at dislodging a fish bone. Here’s how it works: chew the marshmallow slightly, just enough to soften it a little, and then swallow it whole. As it moves down your throat, the marshmallow may latch onto the bone and carry it down into your stomach. It’s like nature’s version of a sticky bandage.

Eating a Piece of Bread Dipped in Water Can Ease the Discomfort

Another popular home remedy for dislodging a fish bone is eating a piece of bread dipped in water or milk. Bread acts as a soft “pusher” that can grab onto the bone and help guide it further down your digestive tract. The idea is to soak the bread in some water to make it slightly denser and easier to swallow without chewing it too much. The bread’s texture allows it to cling to the bone, and the moisture helps it move smoothly through your esophagus.

Try a Banana, But Swallow a Chunk Whole, Not Completely Chewed

Bananas may also help dislodge a fish bone. If a fish bone gets stuck, try swallowing a large bite of banana without completely chewing it. Bananas are naturally soft, and their dense, slightly sticky consistency can help catch the bone as it moves through your throat.

Sticky Rice or Cooked Rice Balls Work for Removing a Stuck Fish Bone

Sticky rice, especially in the form of rice balls, has been used as a traditional remedy in some cultures for removing fish bones. The trick here is to mold a handful of cooked rice into a compact ball and swallow it without chewing. The sticky nature of the rice may help to trap the fish bone and push it down.

A Spoonful of Honey or Peanut Butter Can Be a Smooth Option

Honey and peanut butter are both thick, viscous foods that can coat the fish bone and aid in guiding it down your throat. Taking a spoonful of either honey or peanut butter can work wonders. The thick consistency of peanut butter, in particular, can push the bone down as you swallow it. Honey, on the other hand, is soothing for the throat and can help reduce any irritation.

Drinking Olive Oil Can Lubricate Your Throat and Help the Fish Bone Slide Down

Another option is to drink a little bit of olive oil. Olive oil works effectively because of its natural viscosity, which helps coat the throat and makes it easier for the bone to slide down. Its lubricating properties minimize friction and soothe the throat, making it an ideal remedy in such situations. Just take a tablespoon or two of olive oil and swallow it slowly. Not only will this lubricate your throat, but it will also minimize irritation. If you don’t have olive oil, any other edible oil will work in the same manner.

Should You Drink Vinegar to Dissolve a Fish Bone?

Some people suggest that drinking diluted vinegar can help dissolve a fish bone. Vinegar is acidic, and it may help break down the bone, especially if it’s a smaller one. To try this remedy, mix a tablespoon of vinegar (apple cider vinegar works well) with a glass of water and drink it. The acidity could soften the bone, making it less sharp and easier to swallow. However, this remedy doesn’t work instantly and is more about softening the bone over time.

When Should You See a Doctor About a Fish Bone?

While these home remedies are effective most of the time, there are instances when you should seek medical help. If you’ve tried the above methods and still feel the bone, or if you start experiencing severe pain, difficulty breathing, or signs of an infection (like swelling, redness, or fever), you should promptly contact your doctor. A physician will be able to use specialized tools to safely remove the bone and prevent further complications.

Fish bones are usually small, but they can cause damage if not dealt with properly. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so if in doubt, a trip to the doctor is the safest course of action.

How to Avoid Getting a Fish Bone Stuck in Your Throat Again

Prevention is better than cure. If you’ve experienced the unpleasant feeling of a fish bone getting stuck in your throat, you’ll likely want to avoid it happening again. Here are a few tips to reduce the risk:

Chew Your Fish Carefully: Take your time to chew each bite well. The more you chew, the easier it is to feel any small bones before they reach your throat.
Choose Filleted Fish: Opt for boneless fillets whenever possible. They might be a bit pricier, but they save you the trouble of dealing with tiny, pesky bones.
Watch Children Closely: If you’re serving fish to children, be sure to thoroughly inspect the fish for bones beforehand and encourage them to chew carefully.

The Bottom Line

Getting a fishbone stuck in your throat is an annoying, uncomfortable experience that can often be fixed with some simple home remedies. Whether it’s using marshmallows, bread, bananas, sticky rice, honey, or even a little bit of olive oil, these methods can help ease the discomfort and dislodge the bone.

That said, if you feel significant pain or difficulty, it’s best to consult a doctor as soon as possible.