When temperatures plummet in winter, warm soup dishes are undoubtedly the best menu choice. In particular, spicy and refreshing fish stew, also known as 'Pira Caldo,' is a favorite for many. However, extreme caution is required when consuming such fish dishes. A seemingly minor fish bone can, in fact, lead to fatal dangers. Dr. Felix Ibieta, a gastroenterology endoscopy specialist from the Social Security Institute (IPS) of Paraguay, has warned about why fish bones are so dangerous.

The IPS advises caution when consuming fish dishes in winter, warning that the numerous bones found in fish, if consumed carelessly, can damage any part of the digestive tract, from the throat to the anus. Beyond just a delicious meal, incidents involving fish bones can lead to serious health problems.

Why Are Fish Bones Dangerous? 

According to the IPS warning, sharp fish bones can perforate the esophagus, stomach, or intestines. This is an extremely dangerous situation where the contents or bacteria from the digestive organs can leak into the surrounding space, causing severe infection. If perforation occurs, there's a high possibility of leading to fatal complications such as peritonitis, which requires immediate surgical treatment.

Dr. Ibieta emphasized the danger of fish bones by citing the case of a 70-year-old patient. This patient visited the IPS Ingavi Hospital complaining of severe pain and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) after a fish bone got stuck in their throat while eating fish stew. When a large bone is lodged, it can cause digestive tract obstruction, making it difficult not only to eat but also to breathe.

The patient underwent an emergency upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to remove the foreign object and is fortunately recovering stably. Dr. Ibieta stressed that timely and appropriate medical attention is crucial in such cases to prevent serious complications.

Preventing and Dealing with Fish Bone Accidents 

The best way to prevent fish bone accidents is to carefully remove all fish bones. Extra care should be taken to debone fish, especially when serving it to children or the elderly. When preparing fish dishes, choose varieties with fewer bones, or cook the fish thoroughly until the flesh is soft, which makes deboning easier.

If you feel a fish bone is stuck in your throat, avoid the following actions:

Forcibly swallowing rice or bread: This can push the bone deeper or damage the esophageal wall.
Trying to forcibly remove it with your fingers: This can push the bone in further or injure your throat.
Instead, you can try the following methods:

Coughing: Gently cough to see if the bone can be dislodged.
Drinking water: Slowly drink a small amount of water.
Swallowing saliva: Swallow your saliva to see if the bone moves.
However, if these methods do not remove the bone, or if you experience severe pain, difficulty breathing, or other symptoms, you must visit a hospital immediately. An ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist or a gastroenterologist can safely remove the bone using an endoscope.

Fish is a healthy food rich in beneficial nutrients for our bodies, such as protein and omega-3 fatty acids. However, we must not forget that a small bone hidden within it can pose a great danger. Especially in the cold winter, it's essential to consume warm 'Pira Caldo' wisely and safely.