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A 42-year-old woman developed a severe 8cm ulcer after swallowing scalding hot pot food too quickly
Wang, from China, was eating hot pot with her friends when she felt immediate chest tightness and drank iced water, assuming the discomfort would pass.
By the next day, Wang suffered severe pain when swallowing water, tea, and saliva, according to South China Morning Post.
Hospital endoscopy revealed an 8cm oesophageal ulcer, covering nearly one-third of her oesophagus.
Doctors warned that the human oesophagus can only tolerate food up to around 60°C, while hot pot is often served at temperatures reaching 90°C
Alternating between boiling food and iced drinks can further irritate the oesophageal lining, causing severe mucosal damage.
This eating pattern has been linked to oesophageal cancer, with China accounting for 40% of global cases.
The World Health Organisation classifies any food or drink consumed above 65°C as probably carcinogenic to humans
Fortunately, Wang received prompt medical care and is expected to make a full recovery.
Her story has sparked widespread online warnings, reminding people to let food cool before eating.
