Tragic Tongue Piercing: The Danger of Ignoring a Stuck Bone in Your Throat

A 45-year-old man named Mr. Duc recently experienced trouble swallowing while eating rice, and he suspected that a bone was stuck in his throat. In an attempt to dislodge the bone with his tongue, he accidentally pierced his tongue with a piece of bone. After two weeks of discomfort and difficulty eating and drinking, Mr. Duc sought medical help at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City.

A throat endoscopy revealed that a foreign object was deeply embedded in the soft tissue at the tip of Mr. Duc’s tongue, causing swelling in the surrounding mucosa. Further investigation through ultrasound showed a long foreign object creating a pus pocket in the tongue. A minor surgery was performed to remove a 2cm long fish bone with a sharp tip, which had been stuck in Mr. Duc’s tongue for two weeks.

Dr. Nguyen Trung Nguyen, an ENT specialist, confirmed that Mr. Duc’s health was stable after the surgery and there were no complications of abscess or infection. Dr. Nguyen emphasized the importance of seeking medical help for foreign objects stuck in the throat as folk remedies could worsen the situation.

Foreign bodies getting stuck in the throat are common and can lead to complications if not promptly addressed. It is important to be cautious while eating foods that may cause choking, such as fish or fruits with seeds. If experiencing symptoms of choking on a foreign object, such as painful swallowing or difficulty swallowing, it is recommended to seek medical attention immediately.

Mr. Duc’s case highlights the importance of early detection and prompt treatment of foreign objects stuck in the throat to prevent complications. Seeking medical help from a professional rather than attempting to remove the object yourself is crucial for a successful outcome.

In conclusion, foreign objects getting stuck in