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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does The Bone That Is Logged In Lower Airway Dissolve Eventually?

Hi I swallowed an anchovie bone which is lodged in my lower airway or lung. Ent specialist couldn't find the bone after a cat scan. Although now seem to have lower lung infection shortness of breath and trouble clearing throat. Will the bone disolve eventually in the airway like doctor mentioned? Any advice please
posted on Thu, 13 Mar 2014
Twitter Wed, 20 Jul 2016 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 20 Jul 2016 Last reviewed on
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
No, bone can not dissolve in lung tissue.
By your history and description, possibility of aspiration pneumonia after accidental aspiration of bone is more.
Bone will react as foreign body in lungs. So there will be development of infection, inflammation, collapse, consolidation in that part of lung.
So better to take it out as soon as because it won't dissolve in lungs.
You should consult pulmonologist and get done bronchoscopy. Bronchoscopy is not only diagnostic but it will also remove bone (therapeutic).
So don't let it (bone) be there otherwise you will develop more serious lung diseases in future.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
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Does The Bone That Is Logged In Lower Airway Dissolve Eventually?

Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic. I can understand your concern. No, bone can not dissolve in lung tissue. By your history and description, possibility of aspiration pneumonia after accidental aspiration of bone is more. Bone will react as foreign body in lungs. So there will be development of infection, inflammation, collapse, consolidation in that part of lung. So better to take it out as soon as because it won t dissolve in lungs. You should consult pulmonologist and get done bronchoscopy. Bronchoscopy is not only diagnostic but it will also remove bone (therapeutic). So don t let it (bone) be there otherwise you will develop more serious lung diseases in future. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.