Expelling a fish spike by coughing after it has become lodged in the throat can provide some relief, and it is advisable to seek medical attention at this point, whether or not there are still obvious symptoms.
The length and shape of the fish spike lodged in the throat cannot usually be observed by the patient themselves with the naked eye. Longer fish spikes that have broken up in the throat may still be left behind, even if they have been partially expelled by coughing, and examination by laryngoscopy can clarify whether the fish spike has been eliminated and, if so, can be removed promptly by a doctor.