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Is Burning Sensation In Throat After Eating Hot Food A Cause For Concern?
Question: My 4 year old ate a steaming hot potato for dinner last night. It is 3 am and she woke up screaming saying her throat hurts. Can it be something serious - should I take her to see a doctor?
Brief Answer:
Probably superficial mucosal burns in throat. Nothing alarming.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to the HCM
In my opinion your child seems to have suffered from superficial mucosal burns in throat due to hot potato she had in the dinner. Don't worry. The appearance of pain after so many hours suggest that it's very mild and just due to mild inflammation settings in later. You may try the following measures to help her out:
-Give an over-the-counter painkiller such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to relieve the severe ache in her throat
-Also you can use zytee or oraflora gel locally for pain relief
-Allow all the foods and beverages to cool for 5 to 10 minutes, before giving them
-Avoid any foods that are hot, sharp, spicy, sour, crunchy or crisp until it heals
-Offer her plenty of fluids, especially plain, cool water, during the day
-Give her a spoon or two of honey 4-5 times or more frequently, as it eases irritation and regenerates burned tissue
-Sip on some cold milk or a few spoons of cold, unflavored yogurt will also help
-Suck on an ice-cube, some ice chips or a frozen popsicle for temporary relief
-You could also use liquid Aloe Vera as a mouthwash, by gargling with about half a cup daily. This will soothe the burnt area, enabling the tissues to heal faster.
I would recommend a pediatrician consultation if she has any of the following symptoms:
Breathing problems (because of excess swelling)
Infections
Blistering
Fever
Also, if the throat does not seem to get any better within 3 or 4 days in spite of following the steps mentioned above, it is important that you consult a doctor to rule out any infection or ulcerative lesions by clinical examination.
For further questions, you may contact me.
Take care
Probably superficial mucosal burns in throat. Nothing alarming.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to the HCM
In my opinion your child seems to have suffered from superficial mucosal burns in throat due to hot potato she had in the dinner. Don't worry. The appearance of pain after so many hours suggest that it's very mild and just due to mild inflammation settings in later. You may try the following measures to help her out:
-Give an over-the-counter painkiller such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to relieve the severe ache in her throat
-Also you can use zytee or oraflora gel locally for pain relief
-Allow all the foods and beverages to cool for 5 to 10 minutes, before giving them
-Avoid any foods that are hot, sharp, spicy, sour, crunchy or crisp until it heals
-Offer her plenty of fluids, especially plain, cool water, during the day
-Give her a spoon or two of honey 4-5 times or more frequently, as it eases irritation and regenerates burned tissue
-Sip on some cold milk or a few spoons of cold, unflavored yogurt will also help
-Suck on an ice-cube, some ice chips or a frozen popsicle for temporary relief
-You could also use liquid Aloe Vera as a mouthwash, by gargling with about half a cup daily. This will soothe the burnt area, enabling the tissues to heal faster.
I would recommend a pediatrician consultation if she has any of the following symptoms:
Breathing problems (because of excess swelling)
Infections
Blistering
Fever
Also, if the throat does not seem to get any better within 3 or 4 days in spite of following the steps mentioned above, it is important that you consult a doctor to rule out any infection or ulcerative lesions by clinical examination.
For further questions, you may contact me.
Take care
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
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