Vietnamese Youth Hospitalized After Swallowing Overly Hot Food

A 25-year-old man in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, has been hospitalized after suffering severe throat burns and laryngeal edema from rapidly consuming overly hot food. Dr. Le Thanh Lam from the Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital of Ho Chi Minh City's Head and Neck Surgery Department noted that thermal injuries to the oral cavity and pharynx from excessively hot food or drinks are relatively common, particularly when eating too quickly after food has just been prepared. According to Dr. Lam, the patient's endoscopy and CT scans revealed inflammation and edema of the arytenoid cartilage. He is currently undergoing treatment with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and painkillers to prevent secondary infections and airway swelling. The severity of the injury depends on the temperature and duration of contact with the mucous membranes. Mild cases may only cause pain and inflammation, while deeper injuries can lead to laryngeal edema, mucosal ulcers, and increased risk of difficulty breathing. In severe cases, burns can leave scars that cause airway narrowing. Medical professionals strongly advise against consuming food or drinks immediately when they are excessively hot, urging individuals to check the temperature before use to avoid burning the oral and pharyngeal mucosa. They also emphasize that if symptoms such as difficulty breathing, stridor, worsening throat pain, high fever, difficulty swallowing, large ulcers, redness, bleeding, or pus in the throat area appear after consuming hot items, immediate medical attention is necessary.