What should I do if I accidentally ingest alcohol and suffer a throat burn?

Generally, the management of throat burns caused by accidental ingestion of alcohol mainly includes emergency rinsing, dietary adjustment, medication, mucosal protection, and medical intervention. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Emergency Rinsing

Alcohol can directly damage throat mucosal cells, causing burning pain. Immediately after ingestion, rinse the mouth repeatedly with large amounts of lukewarm water and swallow slowly. This helps dilute residual alcohol through water flow, reducing its contact time on the mucosal surface and minimizing the degree of burn injury. Note that the water temperature should not be too high to avoid further irritation of the mucosa.

2. Dietary Adjustment

After a burn, the throat mucosa is in a fragile state and requires dietary adjustments to aid healing. It is recommended to consume cool or lukewarm, soft, liquid or semi-liquid foods such as rice soup, lotus root powder, and steamed egg custard. Avoid spicy, hot, or hard foods that may irritate the injured area. Maintain adequate fluid intake to keep the mucosa moist and create a favorable environment for recovery.

3. Medication

Medications can help relieve pain, prevent infection, and promote mucosal healing. Patients may use drugs such as Kangfuxin Liquid, Yinhuang Throat Lozenges, or Cefuroxime Axetil Tablets under medical guidance. Kangfuxin Liquid promotes mucosal repair, Yinhuang Lozenges alleviate sore throat and swelling, and Cefuroxime Axetil Tablets help prevent or treat secondary bacterial infections.

4. Mucosal Protection

Protecting damaged mucosa is key to promoting recovery. Avoid loud talking and severe coughing to reduce vibrations that may strain the injured tissue. Sucking on non-irritating throat lozenges can form a protective film over the mucosal surface, shielding it from external irritants. Additionally, maintain appropriate indoor humidity to prevent dry air from worsening mucosal discomfort.

5. Medical Intervention

If a large amount of high-concentration alcohol is ingested, or symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, breathing difficulties, vomiting blood, or fever occur, this indicates a more severe burn, possibly involving esophageal damage or complications. Immediate medical attention is required. A laryngoscopy can assess the extent of injury, and treatments such as intravenous hydration or nebulized therapy may be necessary to prevent disease progression.

In addition, alcohol should be stored securely out of reach of children and individuals prone to accidental exposure to prevent ingestion risks at the source. During treatment, strictly follow medical instructions for medication and closely monitor symptom changes. If pain worsens or new discomfort arises, timely follow-up visits are essential to adjust the treatment plan.