14-Year-Old Dies After Eating World's Hottest Pepper Tortilla Chip
In a shocking incident, a 14-year-old in the United States reportedly passed away after consuming an incredibly spicy tortilla chip known as the 'One Chip Challenge.' This chip is made with Carolina Reaper pepper and Naga Viper, two of the world's hottest peppers. Following health concerns related to this tragic incident, e-commerce giants like eBay and Amazon have removed the product from their platforms, and retail stores have pulled it from their shelves.
The product is packaged in a coffin-shaped box adorned with a red skull and features multiple warnings, including cautions for individuals with underlying medical conditions and pregnant women. Despite being a healthy adolescent with no pre-existing medical issues, the teenager experienced severe stomach pain shortly after consuming the chip. He visited his school nurse and was sent home but subsequently lost consciousness and stopped breathing.
Neurologist Dr. Sudhir Kumar of Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad explained that such cases typically involve three potential mechanisms. Individuals often overlook the fine print in social media challenges, which can be dangerous, especially for children who are more susceptible to adverse effects. While spicy food doesn't typically lead to fatalities, extremely spicy foods can cause discomfort, digestive problems, or, in rare cases, severe allergic reactions, which can be fatal for individuals with certain sensitivities.
Dr. Amit Mittal, Head of the Department and Senior Consultant in Gastroenterology at Sanar International Hospitals pointed out that fatalities from spicy food are uncommon. However, Dr. Kumar outlined three potential mechanisms at play:
- Allergy to Capsaicin: This chemical is present in all spicy peppers and can trigger an allergic reaction.
- Vasospasm (Narrowing) of Arteries: This can lead to heart attacks, particularly in response to extremely spicy food.
- Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome (RCVS): This condition involves multiple artery narrowings in the brain, resembling a stroke-like medical emergency that can be reversed with prompt treatment.
Dr. Kumar emphasized the importance of prompt medical attention in cases of anaphylaxis triggered by the consumption of spicy or toxic substances, as it can lead to symptoms like sudden breathlessness and wheezing, possibly resulting in instant death if emergency treatment is unavailable. He urged extreme caution for pregnant women, the elderly, and children when dealing with such substances.
Also Read: 5 Activities to Avoid After Eating: From Sleeping to Consuming Fruits
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