Sky burn

Unfortunately, burns are not uncommon in our lives, and most of us know how to provide first aid for injuries of this kind. However, there are also specific types of thermal and chemical burns - for example, a burn of the palate, in which the destruction and detachment of mucous tissue occurs. Is it necessary to treat such damage, and in what cases is it necessary to consult a doctor?

The complexity of a palate burn is that the oral mucosa is very vulnerable, and it is often impossible to determine the depth of tissue damage. However, the deeper the injury, the longer and more difficult the recovery will be.

Epidemiology

Burn injuries are considered to be among the most common injuries in world practice. Burns of the palate are no exception. Chemical damage to the mucous membranes occurs in approximately 22% of cases of all diagnosed burns, and damage is most often caused by acid-containing substances, and less often by alkalis. The most common causes of injuries are domestic.

Thermal burns of the palate are mainly caused by boiling water. More than half of the cases occur in pediatric patients.

Burns to the palate are equally common in both men and women.

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Causes palate burn

A burn of the palate can occur due to many reasons. Most often, damage to the palate occurs after drinking too hot tea, coffee, compote, etc., or food.

Burns especially often occur in a hurry, when a person tries drinks or food without making sure they are safe.

A burn can also be caused by chemical substances or compounds such as alkalis, acids, salts, and petroleum products getting into the oral cavity. There have been cases of palate burns caused by medications containing aggressive components.

Less often, a burn of the palate can be caused by exposure to electric current or directed radiation.

Risk factors

Representatives of the following professions are especially susceptible to palate burns:

• cooks, hot shop workers;
• auto mechanics, auto mechanics;
• firefighters;
• heavy smokers, as well as people suffering from chronic alcoholism;
• children.

According to statistics, office workers, who typically drink hot coffee or eat food, as they say, “on the run,” are also considered “risky” professions.

Children can burn the mucous membrane of the palate by accident or simply without realizing what this could lead to. Parents should explain to small children why they should not drink too hot compote or eat hot porridge.

In rare cases, physiotherapy procedures, which are carried out, in particular, to treat sore throats, tonsillitis or laryngitis, can lead to a burn of the palate.

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Pathogenesis

A burn of the palate may be isolated or combined with damage to the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, tongue and pharynx. The depth of the burn depends on the temperature of the damaging agent and the time of exposure.

A burn wound can be conditionally divided into zones of damage:

• the center is the area with maximum damage to tissues, vessels and cellular structures;
• The periphery is the zone of minimal damage, which heals and recovers faster than the central one.

In the pathogenesis of palate burns, the inflammatory response to tissue trauma is of great importance. Vascular permeability increases significantly in mucous and submucous tissues: this occurs under the influence of histamine, serotonin, prostaglandins and oxygen radicals.

Proteins and other serum macromolecules quickly penetrate the burn wound. This is how the inflammatory edema phase begins. Neutrophils, monocytes, and thrombocytes accumulate in the wound. Mediator systems are released that affect the permeability of vascular walls, cell migration, and immune response.

Presumably, the increase in metabolic processes after a burn is a consequence of the function of mediator systems that are released from macrophages.

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Symptoms palate burn

In order to get a burn on the palate, it is often enough to take just one sip of scalding tea or coffee. When a burn occurs, unpleasant symptoms immediately appear:

• burning sensation in the palate;
• pain when touched;
• swelling of the palate;
• detachment of the mucous membrane, appearance of blisters;
• metallic taste in the mouth;
• the inability to continue consuming hot or even warm drinks (or food).

The mucous surface of the oral cavity and palate is very sensitive and vulnerable. However, it is easily treated and recovers in a short period of time.

Burning the sky with hot tea

You can get a hot tea burn on your palate by taking just a sip of the freshly prepared drink. Usually you can't take a second sip, because the burning sensation and pain become simply unbearable.

When the palate is burned with boiling water, instead of mild inflammation, there may be pronounced redness of the mucous membrane, swelling, the appearance of erosions and ulcers of various sizes.

Often, a hot tea burn occurs when drinking a freshly brewed drink in a cold room or outside in freezing temperatures. The desire to warm up quickly takes precedence over caution, and most people ignore the danger, swallowing the uncooled liquid.

Burning the palate with hot food

A burn to the palate from hot food can occur under any circumstances, but most often the following cases lead to such a consequence:

• eating when you are very hungry and cannot or do not want to wait for the food to cool down;
• eating the food being prepared straight from the frying pan (pot, etc.);
• accidental ingestion of hot food (through ignorance or carelessness).

A burn of the palate occurs at the point of contact between a piece of hot food and the mucous membrane. The depth of the damage depends on the temperature of the dish. Moreover, if the food was fried in hot oil, the degree of the burn may be more pronounced than after swallowing a food that was boiled in water.

Chemical burn of the palate

A chemical burn of the palate can be caused by exposure to chemicals – acids, alkaline solutions, as well as medications (for example, formalin, silver nitrate, phenol).

Chemical damage to the palate is accompanied by redness and swelling of the mucous membrane. If the damaging substance is on the surface of the palate for a long time, deeper tissues may be affected, which can provoke necrosis.

Burn sky tube quartz

A quartz tube is a quartz lamp that is often used for intracavitary irradiation to alleviate the condition of patients with inflammatory processes in the throat or nasopharynx.

Unfortunately, a burn of the palate, oral mucosa or larynx after the quartz tube procedure is not uncommon. This procedure is usually strictly limited in time. If you "overexpose" the duration of the irradiation a little, you can get a burn.

You can suspect a burn injury to the mucous membrane based on the following signs:

• the surface of the sky becomes red and irritated;
• Blisters or bubbles containing clear liquid appear.

This condition is accompanied by pain and discomfort in the affected area.

First signs

As a rule, when the palate is burned, a person immediately understands that he has been burned:

• a sharp pain or burning sensation appears from contact with the irritating agent;
• the mucous membrane swells sharply and quickly;
• repeated exposure to a hot drink or product causes pain and extreme discomfort – to such an extent that drinking hot food or tea is no longer possible.

If, in the case of thermal damage to the mucous membrane, the discomfort may go away almost immediately after the palate stops contacting the hot product, then in the case of a chemical burn, the pain may continue for some time.

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Stages

It is unlikely that you will be able to determine the stage of a burn on your own. Usually, the stage is prescribed by a doctor when making a diagnosis, based on the depth of tissue damage.

1. The first stage is characterized by damage to the superficial mucosa and the presence of edema. The patient feels short-term pain that quickly passes. The burn of the palate is shallow and heals on its own within 2-3 days.
2. The second stage is damage to the tissues of the mucous and submucous layers. In addition to redness and swelling, the stage is characterized by the appearance of blisters with liquid contents. The second stage palate burn is more painful and heals a little longer: on average 10-14 days.
3. The third stage of palate burn is quite rare and is the development of wet tissue necrosis. Healing is sluggish, long, with possible addition of purulent infection and rough scarring.

Forms

• A thermal burn of the palate can be caused by the damaging effects of hot liquids, food or steam (for example, during inhalation).
• A chemical burn of the palate can be caused by chemical reagents, medications, and concentrates.
• Electrical burn of the palate is a rare type of burn associated with the damaging, directed action of electric current.
• Radiation burn of the palate is a result of radiation exposure and most often occurs during physical therapy sessions.

Complications and consequences

The first stage of a burn of the palate usually heals on its own and does not entail the appearance of adverse consequences and conditions.

The second stage usually takes longer to heal. After about a few days, the exfoliated epidermis particles may be rejected, after which the damaged area is completely healed.

The third stage is considered the most unfavorable in terms of complications. Often, a third-stage palate burn is accompanied by the following consequences:

• general intoxication of the body;
• tissue necrosis;
• bleeding;
• ulceration;
• addition of a purulent infectious process.

The third stage of a burn of the palate requires mandatory medical treatment, since self-healing of such damage is almost impossible.

Diagnostics palate burn

To diagnose a burn of the palate, a visual examination of the victim's oral cavity, as well as further detailed questioning about what happened, is usually sufficient.

Blood and urine tests are performed to rule out the initial stage of intoxication of the body, which often occurs with extensive and deep burns.

Instrumental diagnostics for palate burns are of little information, however, some diagnostic procedures can still be used. For example, in case of a chemical burn of the palate, the doctor may prescribe contrast radiography, gastroscopy and esophagoscopy to exclude the penetration of a chemical agent from the oral cavity into the digestive system.

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Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnostics are performed with different types of burns. For example, if the victim does not know what liquid caused the burn of the palate, the doctor differentiates between damage caused by acids, alkalis and alcohols.

Treatment palate burn

General treatment for a burn of the palate involves the following measures:

• treatment of the palatal surface with analgesics and bactericidal drugs;
• oral cavity sanitation with removal of crusts and damaged exfoliated tissues;
• rinsing and periodic treatment of the wound;
• use of systemic drugs to prevent intoxication phenomena.

All of the above actions apply only to deep damage to the mucous membrane of the palate. As we have already said above, light burns of the palate usually heal on their own.

If your palate is burned by acid, you can rinse your mouth with a soap solution or a soda solution.

In case of burns from alkaline solutions, rinse your mouth with diluted lemon juice or weak vinegar.

In case of alcohol burns, rinse the mouth thoroughly with clean water or isotonic sodium chloride solution.

Medicines that can be used to treat a burnt palate include:

	Directions for use	Side effects	Special instructions
Chlorophyllipt Spray	The spray is used in the amount of 2 presses up to 4 times a day for 3-4 days. Then the treatment can be continued by irrigating the affected area twice a day. The total duration of treatment with the drug is 10 days.	Occasionally, allergies may occur.	The possibility of using the spray to treat a burn of the palate in children has not been studied.
Miramistin	Rinsing is carried out with a solution of Miramistin, up to 6 times a day.	Rarely, a short-term burning sensation may occur, which disappears on its own within 30 seconds.	The possibility of using Miramistin in pediatrics and during pregnancy should be discussed with a doctor.
Methyluracil	In case of a burn of the palate, Methyluracil is used in the form of an aerosol, covering the damaged area of the mucous membrane with a foamy mass for 10-15 minutes 3-5 times a day. The duration of use of the drug is up to 2 weeks.	Allergies to the drug are rare.	The drug is well received by all categories of patients.
Lidocaine 10%	Used for pain relief as needed (applied to the affected area). The duration of action of the solution or spray is up to 7-8 hours.	Dizziness, a feeling of weakness, dyspepsia, and decreased blood pressure are possible.	In pediatric practice, Lidocaine is used in the form of a gel (Kamistad, Kalgel, Dentinox).
Hepilor	It is used for rinsing the mouth. The preparation is dissolved in warm water (10 ml of Hepilor per 50 ml of water, or 2 teaspoons per quarter glass of water). Perform 2-4 rinses per day for 5 days.	Hepilor may cause allergies.	Hepilor is not used to treat burns to the palate in children under 6 years of age.

Vitamins that promote rapid restoration of tissues of the palate damaged by a burn:

Vitamin A	Retinol is used to accelerate the modulation of the processes of differentiation of epithelial cellular structures, keratinization processes, and restoration of mucous tissues and skin. As an adjuvant treatment for a burn of the palate, take 2-3 retinol tablets (from 6600 to 9900 IU) 2-3 times a day.
Vitamin E	Tocopherol is used as an antioxidant and a drug that stimulates cellular metabolic processes. The recommended dose of tocopherol is 0.1-0.2 g twice a day for one month.
Vitamin C	Ascorbic acid is necessary for the renewal of connective tissue, intercellular fluid and collagen fibers. The drug is taken in the amount of 500 mg per day. The duration of administration is 1-2 weeks.

Physiotherapy treatment may include the following procedures:

• Ultraviolet irradiation is carried out starting with one biodose, every other day, increasing to 2-3 biodoses. Before the procedure, it is recommended to rinse the mouth with a soda solution.
• UHF therapy is the effect on tissues of a high-frequency electromagnetic field at a certain frequency of electromagnetic oscillations.

The choice of physiotherapy procedure is made by the doctor, taking into account the depth of damage to the palatine tissues.

Folk remedies

Of course, in case of severe burns of the mucous membrane of the palate, folk treatment will not replace traditional treatment. However, in case of minor damage, some folk recipes may be useful. Below we will consider only the most common methods of treating a burn of the palate at home.

• A stunning healing effect is observed when chewing aloe or kalanchoe leaves. Of course, these plants do not taste particularly pleasant: however, the result will exceed all your expectations. Some patients, to improve the taste, mix crushed aloe leaves or juice and a spoonful of honey. This combination has a more pleasant taste, but it can only be used if there is no allergy to bee products.
• If the surface of the palate is bleeding, you can chew washed plantain leaves, which have long been famous for their healing and antibacterial properties. If there is no plantain, you can use nettle leaves.
• It is useful to lubricate the burn surface with sea buckthorn oil. If you don’t have this product at hand, you can replace it with St. John’s wort oil.
• Many experts advise drinking cool fermented milk drinks for a minor burn of the palate - kefir, yogurt without additives, low-fat sour cream. Fermented milk products will help quickly localize the inflammatory process and stimulate the restoration of the damaged mucous membrane.

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Herbal treatment

• In folk medicine, for a burnt palate, it is recommended to use Ivan-tea leaves (also known as chamerion plant). Ivan-tea effectively eliminates inflammation and pain, including in the presence of ulcers on the burn surface. The leaves are used to prepare a decoction followed by rinsing the mouth. The decoction is prepared at the rate of 15 g of the plant per 200 ml of water.
• Medicinal chamomile is used for gargling. To prepare an infusion, take 20 g of inflorescences and brew 200 ml of boiling water.
• When the palate is burned, it is useful to use violet herb. Prepare an infusion of 20 g of herb and a glass of boiling water and use for rinsing.
• You can buy calendula tincture at the pharmacy and dilute it with water in the amount of 1 teaspoon of tincture per 100 ml of water. The resulting solution is suitable for rinsing, which is carried out several times a day.
• A well-known tanning agent – oak bark – has been used for many centuries for various burns, including palate burns. A decoction of oak bark will be especially useful for bleeding burn surfaces. Boil 40 g of oak bark in 400 ml of boiling water for about 20 minutes, then leave for 1 hour. Use the decoction for rinsing, 3 to 5 times a day.

Homeopathy

Minor burns of the palate can be successfully treated with homeopathic remedies. What preparations are used for this?

• Urtica urens - take every 15 minutes up to six times, if desired, supplementing with rinsing with the tincture of the same name. To prepare the solution, use 20 drops of the original tincture Urtica urens per 100 ml of cool boiled water.
• Cantharis-30 – when blisters with liquid appear at the burn site, apply every 15 minutes up to 6 times.
• Calendula - used for burns of the palate with opened blisters, as it prevents bacteria from entering the wound. The drug is prescribed as Calendula-6 three times a day for three days.
• Causticum - used for severe pain in areas affected by a burn. The remedy is prescribed in the form of Causticum-30 three times a day for three days.

Surgical treatment

Surgical intervention can be prescribed only for deep burns, which are extremely rare in cases of palate trauma. As a rule, the victim spits out or swallows the damaging agent before destructive processes begin in the tissues.

In case of severe and deep tissue damage, the use of surgery allows:

• shorten the healing period;
• reduce the number of complications;
• reduce the number of post-burn contractures.

The essence of the operation usually consists of excision of dead affected tissue and closing of the wound surface (skin grafting).

Prevention

It is very important to pay attention to preventive measures in order to avoid and prevent possible thermal or other burns of the palate, because in the vast majority of cases such injuries are the result of banal carelessness.

Prevention of childhood burns requires a special approach, since such injuries are often the result of oversight and negligence on the part of adults.

• It is necessary to hide chemicals and medicines from children, regardless of their age and skills.
• Children should be taught about the dangers of boiling water, hot objects, hot food, etc.
• Before trying a freshly prepared dish or drink, you must make sure that it is safe from the point of view of the possibility of burning.

Forecast

First and second stage burns of the palate almost always end favorably: the damaged area heals on its own, without any interventions.

A more complex burn of the palate requires timely treatment, since the prognosis of the injury often depends on it. If treatment is delayed, negative consequences of the injury may develop, up to a state of severe intoxication and sepsis.