Old Man Hospitalized After Eating Carolina Reaper in Contest

An Old Man's Dangerous Dance with Carolina Reapers

It was supposed to be a lighthearted eating contest, but it quickly turned serious when an old man took on one of the world's hottest peppers. The Carolina Reaper, a fiery hot hybrid pepper first bred in Rock Hill, South Carolina, measures an average of 1.5 million Scoville heat units, according to Guinness World Records. That's more than 200 times hotter than a jalapeño pepper. So when the old man popped an entire Carolina Reaper into his mouth, he was in for an intense and painful experience.

Immediate Distress After Eating the Hot Pepper

The old man, named John, was participating in a local pepper eating contest when he decided to go for the gold by eating a Carolina Reaper pepper. Right after swallowing the searing hot pepper, John started sweating profusely and his face turned red. He rushed to grab a glass of milk to try and cool the intense burning sensation in his mouth. But it was too late - the damage was already done. Within minutes, John started complaining of a terrible headache unlike anything he had experienced before.

Thunderclap Headaches Land John in the Hospital

John's condition quickly deteriorated as the headache spread across his entire head. The pain became so severe that he described it as "thunderclaps in my head." Concerned about these unusual headaches, John's family members rushed him to the emergency room. At the hospital, doctors ran multiple tests but couldn't find anything unusual that would explain the sudden onset of excruciating headaches. All signs pointed to the Carolina Reaper as the culprit behind John's distress.

Can Hot Peppers Really Cause Thunderclap Headaches?

While it may seem far-fetched, there is some evidence linking hot peppers to thunderclap headaches. According to Dr. Andrew Chan, a neurologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, the active ingredient capsaicin found in hot peppers like the Carolina Reaper can trigger immense pain signals. When ingested in large doses, capsaicin can potentially overload pain receptors and cause vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels) which restricts blood flow to the brain and results in a splitting headache.

However, Dr. Chan cautioned that it's rare for pepper-induced headaches to reach the severity of "thunderclap" headaches. He speculated that John may have had an underlying condition that made him more vulnerable to the effects of the Carolina Reaper. Additional factors like dehydration or taking certain medications could also play a role in producing such an intense reaction.

The Dangers of Ultra-Hot Peppers

While many people enjoy spicy foods, super-hot peppers like the Carolina Reaper should be handled with caution. According to Paul Bosland, professor of plant sciences at New Mexico State University, the hottest chili peppers contain unique substances that can have unexpected effects on the body, especially when eaten raw.

Capsaicin's Effect on the Body

Capsaicin gives all chili peppers their characteristic heat, although ultra-hot peppers like the Carolina Reaper contain much higher concentrations. When ingested, capsaicin binds to pain receptors in the mouth, tricking them into thinking they've touched something hot. This triggers intense burning sensations. Consumed in large quantities, it can wreak havoc on multiple bodily systems.

Gastrointestinal Damage

Carolina Reapers can cause severe gastrointestinal distress including nausea, cramping, vomiting, and diarrhea. According to Bosland, the pepper's fire produces inflammation in the stomach and intestines, which can be incredibly painful. In extreme cases, it can even lead to holes or blockages in the GI tract.

Respiratory Risks

Inhaling or aspirating pepper vapors can also be dangerous and cause burning in the nose, throat, and lungs. Pepper-induced coughing fits could potentially result in someone choking or being unable to breathe properly for a period of time.

Treatment for Pepper Overdose

So what should you do if you accidentally ingest too much of an ultra-hot pepper? Here are some tips from the experts:

Don't Induce Vomiting

While it may seem logical to throw up the pepper, this forces it to re-enter your GI tract and throat again, amplifying the damage. Forcing yourself to vomit can also result in choking, so it should be avoided.

Drink Milk

Drinking milk can help wash capsaicin particles out of your mouth and throat. The caseins in milk bind to the chemical compounds, helping neutralize the burn. Just don't drink too much milk as this can cause vomiting when combined with the pepper irritation.

Avoid Alcohol

Although beer or other alcohol may seem soothing initially, it will actually make pepper's burn worse. The alcohol spreads capsaicin oil around in your mouth instead of helping neutralize it.

Take Antacids

Antacids like Tums contain calcium carbonate which helps buffer stomach acid and reduces the burning sensation. This minimizes potential GI damage from the pepper capsaicin.

Seek Medical Care if Needed

If you experience concerning symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest pain, blurry vision, or thunderclap headaches, seek medical care immediately. Be sure to let doctors know you ingested an ultra-hot pepper so they understand what's causing your distress.

John's Outcome

Fortunately, with proper medical care, John was able to make a full recovery from his Carolina Reaper misadventure. His thunderclap headaches gradually subsided after receiving intravenous anti-inflammatory medication. After an overnight hospital stay for observation, John was discharged with instructions to take it easy and stick to mild foods for a few days. His experience serves as a warning about the dangers of taking on ultra-hot peppers unprepared. While John won't be rushing to try another Carolina Reaper anytime soon, he's grateful his story had a happy ending.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.