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Video

Pediatric Otolaryngology

(A922) Straw-related Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Injuries in the United States: A NEISS Database Investigation (2014-2023)

Monday, October 13, 2025
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EDT
Location: OTO EXPO, Posters

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Oluebubechukwu Eze, BS

    Medical Student
    Howard University College of Medicine
    Hyattsville, Maryland, United States

    • Co-Author(s)

  • AY

    Austin Yap, MD

    Resident Physician
    Medstar Georgetown University Hospital
    Washington, District of Columbia, United States

  • Jonathan Vuillier, BS

    Medical Student
    Howard University College of Medicine
    Heathrow, Florida, United States

  • Kamdili Ogbutor, BS

    Medical Student
    Howard University College of Medicine
    Washington, District of Columbia, United States

  • OA

    Oluwasegun Akinyemi, MD

    Howard University College of Medicine, United States

  • EH

    Earl Harley, MD

    Georgetown University School of Medicine, United States

    • Senior Author(s)

  • Adedoyin Kalejaiye, MD

    Associate Professor
    Howard University College of Medicine
    Washington , District of Columbia, United States

Disclosure(s):
Oluebubechukwu Eze, BS: No relevant relationships to disclose.
Austin Yap, MD: No relevant relationships to disclose.
Jonathan Vuillier, BS: No relevant relationships to disclose.
Kamdili Ogbutor, BS: No relevant relationships to disclose.
Adedoyin Kalejaiye, MD: No relevant relationships to disclose.


Introduction: This study investigates trends in straw-related oral cavity and oropharyngeal injuries, highlighting their prevalence among children aged 1 to 4, common injury types, and the critical need for parental awareness and supervision due to potential neurovascular risks.

Methods: This retrospective cohort analysis utilized the NEISS database (2014–2023) to examine straw-related oral cavity and oropharyngeal injuries among ED patients, focusing on injury type, location, and outcomes, with age, gender, and setting as independent variables.

Results: We identified 512 (national estimate: 12,058) patients who presented to emergency departments for straw-related oral cavity and oropharyngeal injuries. Among these, 301 (58.79%) were males and 211 (41.21%) were females, with a median age of 4 years. Only 10 (1.95%) were adults. White patients represented 43.75% of the cases, followed by Black/African American patients at 16.6%. Injury frequency was highest in patients aged 1 year with a decline after age 4. The primary injury types included lacerations (56.78%), contusions/abrasions (19%), and punctures (18.37%). When the injury setting was known, most injuries occurred at home (91%). Nearly all patients (94%) were treated and released, while 3.32% were admitted, with no data available on admission duration or mortalities.

Conclusions: Straw-related oral cavity and oropharyngeal injuries usually occur at home and predominantly impact children aged 1 to 4, coinciding with developmental phases where children are still acquiring gross and fine motor skills. Awareness among parents and guardians about these risks is crucial, especially with the increased use of non-collapsible (rigid) plastic and metal straws that can potentially cause more serious injuries. The need for close supervision of young children using straws should be emphasized to parents and physicians should be aware of potential neurovascular injury associated with puncture/laceration of the soft palate and pharynx which would warrant imaging and subspecialty care.