Throat burns
Last reviewed: 19.11.2021
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Burns of the pharynx occur most often with the conscious or erroneous intake of strong acids and alkalis. These burns are called chemical, in contrast to thermal burns, which can occur when the inhaled hot air is inhaled during a fire, explosions of combustible gas, etc.
Symptoms of a throat burn
The degree of burns when ingested into a throat of a caustic liquid depends on its concentration, amount and exposure, the type of fluid and those urgent medical measures that are taken immediately after the kurtosis. At the time of contact with the mucosa of the oral cavity and pharynx acid, alkali or other any caustic fluid, there are sharp burning pain and spasm of the pharynx and larynx. The victim tries to squeeze out a liquid that has got into the pharynx and spit it out, thus preventing fluid from entering the esophagus; while an additional burn to the tongue, mucous membrane of the cheeks and lips. After this, excessive salivation develops, body temperature rises, sometimes up to 39-40 ° C.
Chemical burns of the throat are divided into burns of I, II and III degrees. With the 1st degree burn, hyperemia of the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, pharynx and oral surface of the soft palate, its puffiness is noted. Similar phenomena can be observed on the outer surface of the epiglottis, in the intercellular space and pear-shaped sinuses. With a second-degree burn, white and gray necrotic raids occur at these sites. After healing of burns of I and II degrees the mucous membrane is completely restored. With a third-degree burn, deep necrosis of the mucosa occurs with the defeat of all its layers and submucosal layer. Sometimes this burn spreads to deeper layers, capturing muscle tissue. After rejection of scabs that form during this burn, healing takes place through scarring, which often leads to deformation of the pharyngeal lumen and its scarring stenosis.
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Treatment of throat burn
Treatment of pharyngeal burn depends on the properties of the aggressive fluid. With burns with acids (acetic essence, nitric, sulfuric and other acids), the mouth and pharyngeal cavity is washed with a weak alkaline solution (1-2% solution of sodium bicarbonate, calcareous water, magnesium bolt). For anesthesia, aerosols of anesthetics are used or cautious lubrication of the burned surfaces with 2-5% solution of dicaine, 2% solution of novocaine or sprinkled with anesthesin powder. In case of burns with alkalis, rinsing of the mouth and pharynx is recommended, and also taking per os 1% of lemon, tartaric, hydrochloric or acetic acid, mucous decoctions of cranberry, cowberries and other berries containing fruit acids. In addition, give to drink chilled milk, sour milk, acidophilic dairy products. Affected areas after anesthesia are smeared with hydrocortisone emulsion on corn or other vegetable oil. Prescribe antibiotics, sedatives, painkillers, according to indications - tranquilizers.