Archive · 30 Jul 2025
Toothbrush Injury Leads to Hospitalization in Japanese Man
A man hurt his throat while brushing his teeth and fainted.
The toothbrush scraped his throat, letting air get trapped, which is like a balloon behind his throat.
This could lead to dangerous infections or even a stroke, so he had to stay in the hospital for six days.
Doctors gave him medicine to stop any infections.
Luckily, he recovered without any problems.
A 50-year-old man fainted while brushing his teeth and suffered a throat injury.
The toothbrush caused an abrasion, trapping air and leading to retropharyngeal emphysema.
Doctors discovered the injury after the man complained of a sore throat.
The condition raised the risk of serious infection and stroke.
The man was hospitalized for six days and given antibiotics to prevent complications.
- Who
- A 50-year-old man.
- What
- A man suffered a throat injury from a toothbrush that caused retropharyngeal emphysema.
- When
- The incident occurred while the man was brushing his teeth.
- Where
- At the man's home, then later at a hospital in Tokyo.
- Why
- The toothbrush caused an abrasion that trapped air, potentially leading to a serious infection or stroke.
- Patient Age
- 50
- Injury Location
- Back of throat
- Initial Complaint
- Sore throat
- Diagnosis
- Retropharyngeal emphysema
- Hospital Stay
- 6 days
- Treatment
- Prophylactic antibiotics