Throat burns

Throat burns are usually observed as a result of an accident in the home. In adults, severe burns occur when ingested in the state of intoxication of acids (sulfuric, hydrochloric, nitric), alkalis (caustic soda or caustic potash), ammonia. Severe burns are common in children with ingestion of corrosive liquids.

Symptoms. With burns only oral cavity and pharynx, the patient's condition is not so severe, but due to the defeat of the epiglottis and the antero-epiglottis folds, labored breathing (especially in children) can be observed. Immediately after the burn patients suffer severe pain when swallowing even the saliva that accumulates in the mouth.

Treatment should be carried out in a hospital, since with increasing difficulty in breathing, tracheostomy may be necessary. In the order of first aid, the victim is given neutralizing liquids: when burned with acids, 1-2% sodium bicarbonate solution (baking soda), soap water, and soap water are used for rinsing the mouth and throat with acids, and with water alkaline, acidified with lemon juice. You can use milk, as well as egg whites, diluted with cold water. Give also swallow small pieces of ice, prescribe a sparing diet. To prevent inflammation and scar formation in the throat, antibiotic and hormone therapy (hydrocortisone, ACTH, etc.) is carried out from the very beginning of treatment for burns.