Swallowed foreign body can cause different type of injuries. Immediate medical care is needed for patient with suspected foreign body ingestion. Somebody said that drinking large amount of vinegar could dissolve the ingested fish bones, is that correct? According to literature, there will be 15-35% chance of organ perforation for sharp foreign body ingestion. Patient should seek medical care as soon as possible because it would be difficulty to retrieve by upper endoscopy after two hours of ingestion.

First aid to patient:

• Avoid eating or drinking which might push the foreign body further down
• Avoid drinking vinegar which might cause chemical burn to gastrointestinal tract

Notes:

If the object swallowed causes choking, basic first aid is essential. If someone is choking and can make noise or speak, do not attempt the Heimlich maneuver. Give the person a chance to clear the object himself or herself. Heimlich maneuver should be initiate if complete airway obstruction is suspected.