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Boiling Hotpot Leads to Severe Esophageal Injury
22 May
Summary
- Woman suffered severe internal injury from eating piping hot food.
- Her esophagus sustained an 8 cm ulcer from the extreme heat.
- Doctors noted that cold drinks may worsen irritation after hot food.

A woman in China experienced a serious medical emergency after eating extremely hot food, underscoring the potential dangers of everyday dining habits. The incident occurred during a hotpot meal with friends, where the 42-year-old woman consumed food directly from the boiling pot without letting it cool.
Shortly after the meal, she began experiencing discomfort, including a burning sensation in her throat and chest pain. Despite drinking cold water to alleviate the symptoms, her condition worsened overnight, leading to difficulty swallowing. She sought medical attention at a hospital.
Medical examinations, including an endoscopy, revealed a significant ulcer measuring approximately 8 cm in her esophagus. Experts explained that the esophageal lining can typically withstand temperatures between 50-60 degrees Celsius, while food from a boiling hotpot can reach 80-90 degrees Celsius, causing thermal burns and tissue damage.
This case has prompted widespread conversation online regarding the practice of consuming extremely hot food. Many people shared personal experiences of burns and discussed the common belief that food is best when served at very high temperatures, suggesting a need to reconsider such eating habits.