60-Year-Old Woman Suffers Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding from Scalding Food, Successfully Treated with Medication
It is widely known that consuming food at excessively high temperatures can damage the digestive tract, but many people remain unaware of the potential dangers. A recent case involving a 60-year-old woman highlights the risks associated with eating scalding hot meals and how prompt medical treatment can prevent long-term complications.
Case Overview
The patient, a 60-year-old female with no prior history of chronic illness, was admitted to the Second People's Hospital of Liaocheng in April 2022. She arrived at the emergency department after vomiting bright red blood mixed with food remnants, following a meal of hot porridge and a baked flatbread. Upon examination, she exhibited tenderness in the upper left abdomen but no rebound tenderness. A gastroscopy confirmed multiple injuries to her upper digestive tract, including erosive hemorrhagic gastritis, gastric ulcer, and traumatic esophagitis. After a 7-day hospitalization involving fasting, acid suppression, and mucosal protection therapy, her condition improved significantly. A follow-up endoscopy two months later showed complete mucosal healing.
Initial Presentation and Diagnosis
Upon arrival at the hospital, the patient was in stable condition but visibly pale. Her family reported that she had consumed freshly cooked hot porridge the day before and experienced retrosternal pain shortly after. The pain intensified after eating a baked flatbread later that day, followed by hematemesis. Although the vomiting subsided, she continued to feel severe chest discomfort. Given the volume of blood loss and the presence of fresh blood in her vomitus, an initial diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal bleeding was made. Further investigation was necessary to pinpoint the exact cause.
Diagnostic Process and Treatment Plan
Gastroscopy Reveals Mucosal Damage
The patient underwent a gastroscopy on the second day of hospitalization. The procedure revealed multiple blood-filled blisters along the esophageal lining, indicating thermal injury. These findings, along with signs of gastritis and ulceration, pointed to mucosal damage caused by consuming excessively hot food. The medical team promptly initiated a treatment plan consisting of fasting, intravenous nutrition with 5% glucose solution, and oral medications including esomeprazole for acid suppression and sucralfate to protect the mucosa.
Positive Response to Treatment
Within three days of treatment, the patient's chest pain significantly improved. By the seventh day, she was able to tolerate a warm liquid diet and was discharged in stable condition. Follow-up two months later confirmed full recovery of the esophageal mucosa. The patient was advised to maintain a cautious diet and avoid very hot or irritating foods to prevent recurrence.
Medical Advice and Prevention Tips
Monitor for Warning Signs: Any recurrence of hematemesis or melena should prompt immediate medical attention. However, patients should not panic, as these symptoms may be due to inflammation rather than severe disease.
Dietary Recommendations: Eating slowly and avoiding excessively hot, spicy, or fried foods is crucial for maintaining gastrointestinal health. Patients should adopt a pattern of small, frequent meals and avoid overeating to reduce strain on the digestive system.
Clinical Insights and Public Health Message
This case underscores the importance of public awareness regarding the risks of consuming overly hot food. While many individuals believe that warm meals are beneficial for digestion, frequent exposure to high-temperature food can cause thermal injury to the oral cavity and esophagus. This repeated trauma may lead to abnormal cell proliferation, increasing the risk of long-term complications such as scarring, stricture formation, and chronic inflammation. As health-conscious lifestyles become more popular, it is essential to base dietary habits on scientific evidence rather than misconceptions.