Initially, she believed the throat pain was merely due to the spiciness of the dish and purchased medication for self-treatment. However, her condition rapidly worsened. She died from suffocation within minutes of being hospitalized, according to EBC.

Doctor Cao Minh, Head of the Department of Ear, Nose, and Throat - Head and Neck Surgery at Zhengzhou People's Hospital, concluded the cause of death was acute epiglottitis. He described it as one of the most critical emergencies in the specialty. The disease has a sudden onset and rapid progression, leading to airway obstruction and threatening the lives of patients of all ages.

Illustration: Pixabay

Agreeing with this view, Doctor Chu Quoc Van of the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University pointed out that infection is the most common cause. Strongly irritating food and beverages can also easily inflame the epiglottis lining. Patients often experience chills, fever, headaches, fatigue, loss of appetite, difficulty speaking, severe sore throat, and sharp pain when swallowing. In severe cases, patients are unable to swallow saliva.

Explaining the mechanism of suffocation, Ear, Nose, and Throat Doctor Chen Hongjun from Taiwan described the epiglottis as a movable lid that prevents food from entering the trachea. When bacteria attack, or a patient ingests excessive heat, this cartilage swells and turns cherry-red. Given the inherently narrow structure of the throat, the swollen tissue inadvertently forms a blockage, sealing off the entrance to the lungs. Within just a few hours, a patient can transition from mild discomfort to complete suffocation.

Regarding the connection to hotpot, medical experts note that high temperatures and spicy flavors damage the throat lining, paving the way for bacteria to penetrate deep into the tissue. Men aged 40-50 or individuals with underlying conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or respiratory issues face a higher risk of developing the condition.

For this life-threatening suffocating condition, doctors prioritize clearing the airway by intubation or emergency tracheotomy. Following this, they administer high-dose antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling. Experts warn the public against self-diagnosing or purchasing medication for self-treatment at home for unusual sore throats, to avoid the risk of sudden death while sleeping or traveling.

By Binh Minh (Source: EBC, Wenxuecity)