From a chicken bone at a New Year’s Eve dinner to a piece of bamboo shoot on a traditional festive table, and even a tiny button battery swallowed by a child while adults were busy with guests — these seemingly minor accidents can lead to serious consequences if not treated promptly. 

1. 66-year-old man: New Year’s chicken accident

After eating chicken meat, Mr. H.V.Q (66, from Son La) felt pain and a foreign body sensation in his throat, yet assumed it was a minor stuck bone. One day later, when symptoms had not improved, he was transferred to Bach Mai Hospital. A CT scan showed a nearly 3 cm chicken bone lodged across his esophagus, possibly injuring the esophageal wall. 

Endoscopy showed the chicken bone embedded in the esophageal mucosa with a small tear.

Fortunately, the object was removed in time. According to Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Công Long – Director of the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Center, if treatment is delayed, a sharp bone could perforate the esophagus and lead to severe infection in the mediastinum — a serious complication that is difficult to treat. 

 
2. 9-year-old boy: Accident while adults were busy with guests

While family members were preparing and entertaining guests, 9-year-old V.Q.T (Hanoi) accidentally swallowed a button battery — the kind found in toys, remote controls, or decorative lights. 

X-ray showing the button battery in the child’s stomach.

The family brought him for medical care promptly. An X-ray confirmed the object in his abdomen, and it was safely removed via endoscopy. However, button batteries can cause chemical burns within just a few hours, seriously damaging the throat or stomach if not handled quickly. 

 
3. 74-year-old woman: Choking on bamboo shoot

Mrs. V.T.N (74, Hanoi) experienced severe choking after eating bamboo shoots during a New Year feast. Thinking the episode was temporary, she tried folk remedies — drinking lots of water, eating more rice, or vegetables — none of which helped. 

Food stuck in the esophagus as seen on endoscopy.

Endoscopy revealed the food was stuck in her esophagus and it was successfully removed. In elderly people, swallowing reflexes are weaker and chewing ability may be reduced. Tough or fibrous foods like bamboo shoots, meat, or poultry can easily become lodged if not cut into small pieces and chewed thoroughly. 

 
Why Foreign Body Accidents Increase During Lunar New Year

Doctors note that several factors contribute to foreign object ingestion during the early days of the year: 

Festive tables full of dishes with bones or fibrous foods

Family members chatting and laughing while eating

Alcohol consumption potentially reducing attention and swallowing reflex

Children off school and at home more often

Adults busy entertaining guests and preparing food, leading to momentary lapses in supervision 

Just a small bone, piece of bamboo shoot, or tiny button battery can turn a joyful holiday into a medical emergency. 

 
When to Seek Immediate Medical Care

Go to the emergency department if any of the following occur: 

Persistent pain or sensation of something stuck in the throat

Feeling of a lodged object in the throat or chest

Difficulty breathing, chest pain, or fever

A child swallowing a battery or metal object 

 
Tips for Safe Family Gatherings

Cut food into small pieces, especially for the elderly

Remind children to sit still and chew carefully

Keep button batteries and small objects out of children’s reach

Avoid eating while distracted by conversation or activities 

🌸 New Year’s Message

Tet is a time for love, reunion, and cherished family moments. No one wishes to begin the year in an emergency room.

Yet a small bone fragment, a piece of bamboo shoot, or even a tiny button battery can unexpectedly interrupt the joy of togetherness.

Providing closer care for the elderly and paying greater attention to young children are the simplest ways for every family to ensure a safe, peaceful, and fulfilling Tet holiday.