CLINICAL MEDICINE

Detailed explanation-1: -Caustic chemicals include alkalis such as sodium hydroxide (powder and flakes), potassium hydroxide, and calcium hydroxide. Acidic chemicals include acid compounds and salts. Examples of acidic chemicals include citric acid and boric acid, in powdered or crystalline form.

Detailed explanation-2: -Any alkaline agent with a pH greater than 7.0 is considered caustic. Some household cleaning compounds contain strong alkalis. Alkali substances can cause liquefactive necrosis and can be especially corrosive at high pH values as the necrosis continues until the alkali becomes neutralized.

Detailed explanation-3: -Common sources of caustics include solid and liquid drain and toilet bowl cleaners, battery acid, and hydrochloric acid for swimming pools. Industrial products are usually more concentrated than household products and thus tend to be more damaging.

Detailed explanation-4: -Caustic ingestion can cause severe injury to the esophagus and the stomach. Alkali ingestions typically damage the esophagus more than the stomach or duodenum, whereas acids cause more severe gastric injury. Aspiration of either acid or alkali can also induce both laryngeal and tracheobronchial injury.

Detailed explanation-5: -lye (sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide) in drain cleaners or hair relaxers. bleach (sodium hypochlorite) or ammonia (ammonium hydroxide) in cleaning products. highly concentrated acids (such as hydrochloric acid) in toilet-bowl or swimming-pool cleaners. laundry-detergent capsules ("pods")