foto: freepik.com
Brilio.net - Have you ever had a fish bone stuck in your throat? It certainly feels very uncomfortable, and can even make you panic. Some people believe that eating a lot of rice can help push the fish bone down into the digestive system. But is this method really effective and safe?
Fish bones stuck in the throat can be quite a disturbing problem. In addition to causing a lumpy sensation, in some cases, the sharp bones can cause injury or irritation to the throat wall. Well, before you rush to swallow rice or try other traditional methods, it's a good idea to understand how this method actually works and whether there are any risks to watch out for.
Where does the belief that eating rice can remove fish bones come from?The myth of eating rice to overcome stuck fish bones has been around for a long time. This method is often taught from generation to generation and is believed to be effective. The concept is simplerice that is chewed a little or swallowed in large quantities is thought to be able to 'sweep' or 'cover' the fish bones so that they are carried down to the stomach.
Logically, fairly solid foods such as rice or bread can help push small objects stuck in the throat. However, is this really a medically recommended method?
Is rice effective in removing fish bones?
photo: Freepik/xb100
In fact, the effectiveness of rice in dealing with stuck fish bones depends on several factors, such as the size and position of the bone. Here are some things to understand:
Rice Might Help
- If the fish bone that is stuck is small and not too deep, swallowing rice in a slightly solid form can help push it down.
- The soft but still quite dense texture of the rice can help "clump" the thorns so they are easier to push.
- Some people do feel relief after trying this method.
Risks to Pay Attention to
- If the thorn is large or sharp, swallowing rice can actually cause it to enter the throat tissue further or get stuck deeper.
- If the thorn pierces the throat wall in a position that is difficult to reach, swallowing rice can worsen the irritation and increase the pain.
- There is a risk of choking if you swallow large amounts of rice without chewing it properly.
So, while it is possible that rice may help, this method is not always effective and is not a recommended solution in all cases.
Safe way to deal with stuck fish bonesInstead of swallowing rice without thinking, it is better to try some safer and more effective ways:
1. Cough Gently
Try coughing naturally with a little force. Sometimes coughing can help dislodge a loose thorn from your throat.
2. Drink Warm Salt Water
Gargling or swallowing a little warm salt water can help relax the throat muscles and loosen the stuck fish bone.
3. Eat foods with soft textures and fiber
Instead of rice, try eating a ripe banana or slightly moist toast . These foods can help "stick" to the thorn and bring it down without causing further irritation.
4. Use Olive Oil or Honey
Swallowing a spoonful of olive oil or honey can help lubricate the throat and make it easier for the fish bone to slide down.
5. Do not use fingers or sharp objects to remove thorns.
Picking your throat with your fingers or other objects can make the situation worse and increase the risk of infection or injury.
6. If it doesn't go away, go to the doctor immediately.
If the thorn is still felt even after trying various methods, you should immediately see a doctor. Medical personnel can use special tools to remove the thorn without causing further injury.
So, can rice help remove a fish bone? The answer is yes, but it is not always effective and can be risky. If the bone is small and not too deep, rice may help push it down. However, if the bone is large, sharp, or deeply embedded, swallowing rice may actually make the condition worse.
It is better to try safer methods such as coughing, drinking warm water, or eating soft fiber foods. If the thorn does not go away or causes severe pain, seek medical help immediately so as not to cause serious problems.
(brl/tin)
