Refer China: Changsha Woman's 8cm Esophageal Ulcer from Boiling Hotpot Food

A 42-year-old in Changsha got an 8cm esophageal ulcer from 80-90°C hotpot food. The esophagus withstands only 50-60°C. WHO says drinks over 65°C are carcinogens. Learn the risks.

Tags:

Changsha

Hotpot Safety

Esophageal Ulcer

Food Temperature Warning

Eating Habit Risks

A 42-year-old woman in Changsha, Hunan province suffered an 8-centimeter esophageal ulcer after hastily swallowing scalding hotpot food, sounding an alarm over risky dining habits.

A woman in China has suffered severe internal injuries after eating hotpot hastily. Photo: Shutterstock

The incident happened in March. Hungry and caught up in chatting with friends, the woman surnamed Wang ate piping-hot ingredients straight from the pot without cooling them down. She instantly felt chest discomfort and drank icy water for relief, then ignored the abnormal sensation.

Sharp swallowing pain struck her the next day. Medical checks at Changsha Eighth Hospital confirmed a severe 8cm ulcer inside her esophagus, taking up nearly one third of an adult’s 25-30cm esophagus.

An endoscopy examination photograph shows the extent of the damage done to Wang. Photo: Sina

Doctor Wu Xiaoqing explained human esophagus can only withstand food at 50 to 60 degrees Celsius. Fresh hotpot ingredients can reach 80 to 90 degrees Celsius, easily burning delicate esophageal mucous membranes. Drinking cold water right after hot food will double irritate damaged tissue and worsen injuries.

Timely treatment can fully cure esophageal ulcers with no cancer risk. Yet recurring ulcers may raise the possibility of malignant lesions.

This case sparked wide online debate on traditional eating concepts. Many Chinese people hold the belief that hotter food tastes better and is healthier, while hotpot remains a nationwide beloved cuisine. Spicy hotpot from Sichuan and Chongqing wins huge popularity for its special spicy and numbing flavor.

Statistics show China accounts for 40 percent of global esophageal cancer cases, and excessive intake of scorching food is regarded as a key contributing factor. The WHO has classified drinks over 65 degrees Celsius as potential carcinogens.

Netizens reflected on improper daily eating habits and called for abandoning the outdated idea of eating food while boiling hot.

Source:

Editor: Crystal H