Two Cases of Thermal Epiglottitis in Children Caused by Accidental Swallowing of Hot Beverages in Thermos Bottle

Burns due to ingestion of hot foods and beverages are not uncommon. However, thermal burns of the larynx are rare, because any consumed hot foods and beverages tend to stay in the mouth and pharynx. We report the cases of two children with thermal epiglottitis caused by accidental swallowing of a hot beverage. In both cases, endoscopy revealed an erythematous and edematous epiglottis, with a partial whitish coating. The children were hospitalized and treated with ampicillin/sulbactam and dexamethasone. They were discharged from the hospital a few days after they began to tolerate soft foods. Since airway narrowing usually occurs within hours of laryngeal burns, we ensured frequent endoscopic examinations in both cases. Moreover, it is also necessary to inform parents to remain alert to the possibility of such accidents.