Dragon's Breath Snacks: The Viral Trend That Could Burn Your Child's Stomach

You have seen them on social media: colorful cereal puffs breathing out smoke like a dragon. Kids love them, and they make for great videos. But this trend, known as "Dragon's Breath" or Nitrogen Snacks, is a major health hazard disguised as fun.

The smoke comes from Liquid Nitrogen, a chemical that exists at extremely low temperatures (around -320 F or -196 C). It is safe for freezing warts at the dermatologist, but not so safe for a toddler's snack time.

The Real Risks Behind the Smoke

Health experts warn that improper consumption can lead to life-threatening injuries:

Internal Damage: If the nitrogen is still liquid when swallowed, it expands rapidly inside the body. This massive pressure buildup can tear holes in the stomach lining or intestines (perforation), requiring emergency surgery.

Severe Frostbite: The extreme cold can cause immediate burns to the tongue, mouth, and esophagus. It damages tissue just like a heat burn would.

Breathing Issues: Inhaling the thick vapor can induce asthma attacks or breathing difficulties in children.

Parenting Takeaway

Is a viral video worth a trip to the ER? Definitely not. Teach your kids that "cool" looking food is not always safe. Avoid vendors selling liquid nitrogen snacks to children. Safety comes first, trends come second.