Pharyngeal burns

Throat burns occur most often when strong acids and alkalis are consciously or accidentally consumed. These burns are called chemical burns, as opposed to thermal burns, which can occur when forced to inhale hot air during a fire, explosions of flammable gas, etc.

Symptoms of a throat burn

The degree of burn when a caustic liquid gets into the throat depends on its concentration, quantity and exposure, the type of liquid and the urgent medical measures taken immediately after the incident. When acid, alkali or any other caustic liquid comes into contact with the mucous membrane of the oral cavity and throat, a sharp burning pain and spasm of the throat and larynx occur. The victim tries to cough up and spit out the liquid that got into the throat, which prevents the liquid from getting into the esophagus; this causes an additional burn to the tongue, mucous membrane of the cheeks and lips. This is followed by profuse salivation, body temperature rises, sometimes to 39-40 ° C.

Chemical burns of the pharynx are divided into first, second and third degree burns. First degree burns are characterized by hyperemia of the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, pharynx and oral surface of the soft palate, and its swelling. Similar phenomena can be observed on the outer surface of the epiglottis, in the interarytenoid space and pyriform sinuses. Second degree burns are characterized by white and gray necrotic deposits in these areas. After healing of first and second degree burns, the mucous membrane is completely restored. Third degree burns are characterized by deep necrosis of the mucous membrane with damage to all its layers and the submucous layer. Sometimes this burn spreads to deeper layers, capturing muscle tissue. After the scabs formed by this burn are rejected, healing occurs through scarring, which often leads to deformation of the lumen of the pharynx and its cicatricial stenosis.

Treatment of throat burns

Treatment of a throat burn depends on the properties of the aggressive liquid. In case of acid burns (acetic essence, nitric, sulfuric and other acids), the oral cavity and throat are washed with a weak alkaline solution (1-2% sodium bicarbonate solution, lime water, magnesium oxide slurry). For pain relief, aerosols of anesthetics are used or the burned surfaces are carefully lubricated with a 2-5% solution of dicaine, 2% solution of novocaine, or these surfaces are sprinkled with anesthesin powder. In case of alkali burns, it is recommended to rinse the mouth and throat, as well as take per os 1% citric, tartaric, hydrochloric or acetic acid, mucous decoctions of cranberries, lingonberries and other berries containing fruit acids. In addition, they give chilled milk, yogurt, acidophilus milk products to drink. After anesthesia, the affected areas are lubricated with hydrocortisone emulsion in corn or other vegetable oil. Antibiotics, sedatives, painkillers, and tranquilizers are also prescribed, if indicated.