Basis:
(1) Microwave cooking results in uneven heating.
(2) The container in which the food or drink is heated may feel much cooler than the contents.
(3) The outer surface of a food may be much cooler than its contents, especially if the contents are different in consistency, material, etc. This can be seen with pastries with fillings.
Sites potentially affected:
(1) mouth
(2) oropharynx and pharynx
(3) epiglottis
(4) esophagus
(5) larynx
Clinical findings:
(1) pain
(2) erythema of the mucosa
(3) mucosal edema
(4) mucosal bullae with more severe injury
(5) dyspnea if the airway is compromised
(6) dysphagia
Risk factors for burn:
(1) age extreme (very young or very old)
(2) ignorance about the hazard
(3) eating or drinking without checking the temperature
(4) eating or drinking without mixing the contents
(5) intoxication or otherwise cognitively impaired
