Grill Brush Bristle Injuries Continue to Rise

Most patients were treated and released, with the oropharynx the most common injury site

Category	Detail
Condition	Injuries caused by ingestion or penetration of wire bristles from grill brushes
Key Mechanisms	Foreign body ingestion or penetration by wire bristles from grill brushes, primarily affecting the oropharynx
Target Population	All age groups, with highest incidence in adults aged 19-60 years; pediatric cases also reported
Care Setting	Emergency departments and hospitals across the United States

Estimated 3,739 cases from 2015 to 2023, a 229% increase compared to 2006-2014.
Most injuries involve the oropharynx (40%) and occur year-round with peak incidence in summer.
71% of patients treated and released; 24% required hospital admission; no fatalities reported.

Consider foreign body ingestion in patients presenting with oropharyngeal symptoms and history of recent grill use.
Use imaging modalities as needed to locate wire bristles due to difficulty in detection.

Prompt removal of wire bristles, which may require surgical intervention in some cases.
Supportive care and monitoring for complications following removal.

Observe patients for signs of complications post-removal, including infection or persistent symptoms.

Patients presenting with suspected grill brush bristle injury across all age groups.

Majority managed with outpatient treatment; a significant minority require hospital admission and possible surgical intervention.

Maintain high suspicion for grill brush bristle injury in patients with compatible history and symptoms.
Employ imaging techniques to aid in localization of foreign bodies when physical exam is inconclusive.
Educate patients on risks associated with grill brush bristles to promote prevention.
Consider alternative grill cleaning methods to reduce injury incidence.