CLINICAL MEDICINE

Detailed explanation-1: -Perforation of the esophagus can lead to tracheoesophageal fistula, mediastinitis, pneumonia, and sepsis, requiring immediate esophagectomy with resultant cervical esophagostomy and gastrostomy. 1, 4, 9, 11 Perforation of the stomach or duodenum may lead to peritonitis, shock, and death.

Detailed explanation-2: -Immediate, general complications of caustic and corrosive exposures may include airway edema or obstruction, which may occur immediately or up to 48 hours following an alkaline exposure. Gastroesophageal perforation and upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage may occur acutely in caustic exposure.

Detailed explanation-3: -When swallowed, caustic substances can burn all tissues they touch-from the lips to the stomach. Symptoms may include pain (particularly with swallowing), coughing, shortness of breath, and vomiting. A doctor inserts a flexible viewing tube down the esophagus to look for burns and determine the severity of the injury.

Detailed explanation-4: -Background. Disastrous effects and lifelong complications, ranging from respiratory and gastrointestinal burns to death can result from caustic soda ingestion.

Detailed explanation-5: -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.