A Case of Thermal Burns of the Larynx in a Toddler

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Pediatric Emergency Medicine
• Laryngology

Background:

• Thermal burns to the larynx are uncommon but pose a significant risk of upper airway obstruction, particularly in pediatric patients.
• Children may have difficulty articulating symptoms, complicating the diagnosis of airway compromise.

Observation:

• A case report details a one-year-and-seven-month-old boy presenting with stridor and respiratory distress after consuming a heated potato.
• Initial assessment suggested foreign body aspiration, but laryngoscopy revealed severe arytenoid swelling and airway narrowing consistent with thermal injury.
• The patient required tracheal intubation for airway management.

Findings:

• Laryngeal thermal burns can mimic other conditions like foreign body aspiration in children.
• Prompt airway management, including intubation, and intensive care with steroids and antibiotics were critical for recovery.
• The patient was successfully extubated on day three and discharged on day ten without complications.

Implications:

• Clinicians should consider thermal laryngeal burns in the differential diagnosis for pediatric respiratory distress after ingesting hot food or liquids.
• Effective management necessitates a multidisciplinary approach involving otolaryngology, pediatrics, and anesthesiology.
• Raising awareness of this rare but serious condition can improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.