Suggest Treatment For Prawn Shell Stuck In Throat

Posted on Sun, 11 Jan 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 12 Jan 2015 Answered on

Wed, 28 Jan 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have swallowed a prawn shell and it is stuck in my throat I can breath and speak. I tried to eat bread to push it down but now it feels like what I've eaten isn't going down.

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Visit an ER or get admitted for observation.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. If you can breathe and speak, the prawn shell is unlikely to be in the airway.

2. You should visit an ER. Neck X-rays and if possible a videolaryngosocpy will settle the issue.

3. Two more possibilities exist. One is that the shell is stuck at the cricopharynx (behind and below the larynx) which is the narrowest part of the gut. The second is that the shell has caused an abrasion (while being swallowed) that is causing the sensation.

4. The latter does not explain why the bread is also feeling stuck. That is why I will urge you to visit an ER or get yourself admitted for observation.

I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sumit Bhatti (46 minutes later)

i think I am just panicking and I have eaten a banana and bread - it is going down but it feels odd. I can still breath and speak.

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (37 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
There is no need to panic. Don't eat. Get examined

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for writing back.

1. There is no need to panic.

2. It is good that the food eaten is going down.

3. Avoid eating more at present.

4. Get examined.

5. This is very common and easily treated.

If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar