A Case of Thermal Epiglottitis after Swallowing Hot Tea in Child

Abstract

We herein report a case of thermal epiglottitis in a 4-year-old boy who swallowed hot tea. The previously healthy patient presented to our outpatient clinic complaining of swallowing pain one day after swallowing hot tea from the spout of a tea pot. On the initial physical examination, he exhibited smalls areas of slight scalding on the tongue and soft palate. Although the damage to the oral cavity was not severe, a fiberscopic examination revealed an erythematous and edematous epiglottis partially covered with a whitish coating. The patient was therefore hospitalized and received treatment with ceftriaxone and predonine. He was able to tolerate soft foods within 24 hours and subsequently discharged from the hospital after 48 hours of observation. A history of swallowing a hot beverage from the spout of kettle or tea pot is an important clue suggesting a thermal burn of the larynx. In order to prevent overlooking a potential diagnosis of thermal epiglottitis, which may cause dyspnea on occasion, the importance of conducting a laryngoscopic examination should be emphasized in patients with a history of any of the following findings: 1) swallowing from the spout of kettle; 2) eating unequally cooled hot foods, the exterior of which is cooled, while the interior is not, such as spring rolls or pastries; 3) consuming microwave heated foods or beverages; 4) mental impairment.