Thermal burn of the pharynx and larynx after swallowing hot milk

Abstract

Thermal burns of the larynx after swallowing hot beverages are extremely rare among adults. Most reported cases have occurred among young children. We report the case of a male adult who, upon swallowing hot milk from a bottle, experienced a burn of the larynx affecting the epiglottis and surrounding supraglottic structures. Since dyspnea usually occurs within hours of a burn of the larynx, the importance of airway management in this case is emphasized.