injuries poisoning
Caustic Ingestion
Key Points
Suspect severe consequences if a large volume of a caustic or an industrial-strength caustic product is ingested. Alkalis, by causing liquefaction, can cause damage until they are sufficiently diluted. Do not do gastric emptying or give activatedcharcoal, or neutralize an acid or alkali. Consider esophageal and stomach burns and do endoscopy, even if intraoral burns are absent. Treat perforation with antibiotics and surgery. 