What You Should Do When Swallowing Hot Food

We all have been there, we are excited for a meal and our hunger is unbearable, we bite, chew and enjoy it to the fullest until we get something on our spoon or fork that is steeming hot, once in the mouth it is painful and swallowing it can be even more painful, depending on how hot it is. We will show you what to do when swallowing hot food and how to prevent it in the future!

Why It’s Bad To Swallow Too Hot Food

When you swallow hot food, it can cause immediate pain and discomfort. The heat from the food can cause your throat to close up, making it difficult to breathe. If you find that you’re struggling to breathe after swallowing hot food, contact your doctor immediately. A research in the National Library of Medicine showed that hot food and drinks can increase the risk of esophageal cancer. Swallowing something that is too hot can cause injuries inside your throat and will be a long-term problem that needs a doctor.

What To Do After Swallowing Hot Food

We know you are probably thinking that fighting something hot with something cold will help you, and it might feel that way for a few seconds but it does more harm than good. Drinking cold water or any beverage to fight the pain is wrong, you should drink something in room temperature to not cause more damage to your throat.

When Does The Pain Go Away?

Normally it just takes minutes for the pain to ease and the throat will get sore, and after an hour or two it should be completely gone.

However, if your food is too hot then it will take up to 10 days to fully recover, depending on the temperature and the persons overall health. You should see a doctor if the pain stays. If you experience trouble with breathing, drinking or swallowing after, you should contact your doctor. If you have chest pains or spit blood you probably have damaged your esophagus which has to be treated by a doctor.

What Treatments Are There?

If you accidentally swallow hot food, there are several treatments you can try to soothe the pain and discomfort in your throat. Here are some of them:

1. Drink cool liquids: Drinking cool or room temperature liquids, such as water, milk, or juice, can help soothe the pain and reduce swelling.
2. Eat cool, soft foods: Eating soft foods, such as yogurt or applesauce, can help ease the pain and irritation in your throat.
3. Use throat lozenges or sprays: Over-the-counter throat lozenges or sprays containing numbing agents can provide temporary relief from the pain.
4. Apply a cold compress: Placing a cold compress, such as a cold washcloth, on your throat can help reduce swelling and relieve pain.
5. Take pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help alleviate the pain.
6. Seek medical attention: If the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by difficulty breathing or swallowing, seek medical attention immediately.

How To Prevent A Burned Throat?

Here are some tips to prevent burning your throat while eating or drinking:

1. Wait for hot food or drinks to cool down before consuming them. Letting them sit for a few minutes can significantly reduce their temperature.
2. Take small bites or sips, allowing your mouth to adjust to the temperature gradually.
3. Avoid eating or drinking extremely hot foods or beverages.
4. Stir hot liquids to distribute heat and ensure they are not too hot in one spot.
5. Use a straw when drinking hot beverages to bypass your tongue and mouth.
6. If you have burned your throat before, be extra cautious when consuming hot food or drinks.
7. Avoid eating spicy or acidic foods that can irritate your throat.
8. If you are in a rush and don’t have time to wait for hot food to cool down, consider using a microwave or oven mitts to hold the container while you eat.

By following these tips, you can significantly reduce your chances of burning your throat while eating or drinking. If you experience severe pain or difficulty swallowing after consuming hot food or drinks, seek medical attention immediately.

Conclusion

Burning your throat is a painful and stressful experience, but preventing it from happening is rather easy, if it still happens to you, we hope our tips helped you through this and always keep in mind: If it doesn’t get better, see a doctor!