Fatal laryngeal burn from ingestion of a hot fish cake: Case report and literature review

A Case of Thermal Burns of the Larynx in a Toddler

Thermal burns of the larynx are uncommon but can lead to serious upper airway obstruction due to edema and bleeding, especially in children who may struggle to communicate their symptoms effectively. This report presents the case of a one-year-and-seven-month-old boy who developed stridor and respiratory distress after eating a heated potato, which ultimately required tracheal intubation. The initial evaluation suggested foreign body aspiration; however, laryngoscopy confirmed significant arytenoid swelling and airway narrowing due to thermal burns. Following airway management and intensive care with antibiotics and steroids, the patient was extubated on the third day and discharged without complications on the tenth day. This case highlights the importance of considering thermal burns of the larynx in the differential diagnosis of respiratory symptoms after the ingestion of hot food, particularly in young children. Multidisciplinary collaboration between otolaryngologists, pediatricians, and anesthesiologists is essential for the optimal management of such cases.

Pill Ingestion and Caustic Laryngeal Injury

OBJECTIVE

To highlight an unusual mechanism of laryngeal injury.

METHODS

Case report and literature review.

RESULTS

A 66-year-old male ingested an over-the-counter preparation of bile acids as a dietary supplement. The capsule lodged in the patient's pharynx, and he sustained a caustic injury to the supraglottic and glottic larynx. His injury was managed conservatively, and his symptoms gradually resolved over a period of 8 weeks. A follow-up laryngoscopy at 8 weeks and 6 months showed no signs of injury. A barium swallow at 8 weeks was normal at that time and videostroboscopy results normalized with resolution of the injury as well.

CONCLUSIONS

Caustic injury to the upper aerodigestive tract from pill ingestion is uncommon, and laryngeal injury even less so. Urgent evaluation should be undertaken, and appropriate therapies instituted promptly. Laryngeal injury can respond to conservative therapy, but there is a lack of clinical information to evaluate optimum treatment of this unusual injury.