There is always one that escapes us. The fear of swallowing a fishbone can ruin the most delicious fish dish. Should you worry if you swallow one? Getting a fishbone stuck in your throat, even though it is usually a harmless incident, can easily ruin your life.
There is no risk of a fish bone piercing the stomach or digestive tract. However, if the fish bone gets stuck in the throat, it can be problematic and should be removed.
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Do fish bones dissolve in the stomach ?
If you swallow a fish bone, don’t panic, it will eventually dissolve in your stomach. As we said above, there is almost no chance that a fish bone will pierce your stomach.
The most annoying thing is if a fish bone gets stuck in your throat, otherwise, no worries.
What should I do if I swallow a fish bone?
The first thing to do is to drink water and eat breadcrumbs to try to get the fish bone down.
There is no need to take medication or to fear a perforation: once the fish bone arrives in the stomach, the digestive process is already underway and there is no danger.
If the pain or tingling diminishes but remains, it may be caused by a small wound from the bone. But if the intensity is the same despite your efforts, make an appointment with your general practitioner or an ENT specialist, who will remove it in a few minutes.
If swallowing a fishbone scares you, you can choose burbot, cod, Nile perch, salmon, tuna, sole, turbot or trout fillets. Don’t hesitate to ask your fishmonger for advice and to ask him to carefully remove the bones from your fish.
Do all fish have bones?
It is impossible to find fish without a single bone, since it is the equivalent of our spine for them. However, there are some species that have far fewer bones than others, here is a non-exhaustive list:
The Saberfish
This fish with such a particular name is found in the depths of different oceans such as the Atlantic. Its name is due to its long shape. It is a very fragile fish since it does not have scales to protect it. You will rarely see it whole on the shelves since it is regularly sold in nets. Its fishing extends over a whole year. This is why you will often find this species.
The black scabbard fish is a fish with white flesh. When tasting it, you will realize that its meat is tasty and firm.
To accompany it, you can combine it with the flavors of zucchini, tomato or try the experience of sweet and sour with a raspberry vinegar.
Cod
The reputation of cod is well established. But do you really know it? Fished in the Barents, Norwegian, English Channel and Celtic Seas, this fish is very popular. It is a white fish like the white and many other species. When filleted and then salted and dried, cod is called “cod”. If you wish to enjoy this fish, the best period is between October and April.
Its subtle flavor is perfect for people who rarely (if ever) eat fish. Therefore, we recommend it if you want to start eating more fish.
Since cod meat is fine, we advise you to accompany it with food that will not mask its taste. For example, you can opt for a mustard or white wine based sauce. By matching it with steamed vegetables.
Monkfish
Long shunned because of its unattractive appearance, it is only in recent years that the Monkfish has become a success. Generally speaking, it is the Monkfish that you find on the fishmonger’s shelves. It is fished in the English Channel, the Celtic Sea and the western Mediterranean and is eaten from October to May.
The Monkfish offers a firm, fine and tasty flesh. It will seduce fish lovers. Moreover, since this fish has only one central bone (its backbone), it represents a very interesting alternative for children.
You can accompany it with rice, vegetables, herbs, saffron and many other foods. Its flavour is more pronounced than in cod, opening up a wider choice of recipes and mixtures.
