In a disconcerting incident in Mumbai, a 34-year-old woman underwent an extensive surgery after a chicken bone from her biryani became lodged in her throat, leading to severe health complications. The event has raised awareness about the potential dangers of consuming non-vegetarian dishes containing bones and underscores the importance of vigilance while eating.
Incident Details
On February 3, 2025, Ruby Shaikh, a resident of Kurla, was enjoying a meal with her family when she accidentally ingested a 3.2 cm chicken bone from her biryani. The bone became stuck in her throat, causing immediate discomfort and breathing difficulties. Initially, she dismissed the sensation, but over the next two days, she experienced swelling in her neck and the discharge of pus from her mouth, indicating a developing infection.
Medical Intervention
Concerned about her deteriorating condition, Ruby sought medical attention at Criticare Hospital, where she was examined by ENT specialist Dr. Sanjay Helale. Imaging studies revealed that the chicken bone had migrated from the throat into the nasopharynx (the area behind the nose), causing significant inflammation and infection of the esophagus. To remove the bone, Dr. Helale assembled a team that performed a challenging eight-hour surgery, which involved accessing the bone through the neck and nasal passages.
Financial Implications
The complex surgery and subsequent hospitalization incurred costs amounting to approximately ₹4 lakh. Ruby’s family faced a substantial financial burden due to this unforeseen medical emergency.
Similar Incidents
Ruby’s case is not isolated. A few weeks earlier, a 30-year-old man from Kurla experienced a similar ordeal. While consuming chicken biryani, a bone became lodged in his throat, leading to swelling and breathing difficulties. Despite initial surgical attempts to remove the bone from his neck, it was not located. Further imaging identified the bone in his nasal cavity, resulting in an additional eight-hour surgery to extract it.
Preventive Measures
These incidents highlight the risks associated with consuming dishes containing bones. To minimize such hazards, individuals are advised to:
- Exercise Caution: Be attentive while eating dishes with bones, especially when consuming non-vegetarian items like chicken.
- Chew Thoroughly: Ensure food is chewed properly to reduce the risk of choking or injury from small bones.
- Seek Prompt Medical Attention: If a foreign object is suspected to be lodged in the throat, seek immediate medical care to prevent complications.
Conclusion
Ruby Shaikh’s experience serves as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers lurking in everyday meals. While enjoying flavorful dishes like chicken biryani is a common pleasure, awareness and mindfulness during consumption are essential to prevent serious health issues. Both Ruby and the young man from Kurla are fortunate to have received timely medical intervention, resulting in successful recoveries. Their stories underscore the importance of vigilance and prompt action in safeguarding one’s health during mealtime.