Caustic agent ingestion

High urgency
-Very severe

Digestive lesion produced by the ingestion of irritating or corrosive products capable of destroying the living tissue with which they come into contact. They can be acids or alkalis (basic).

It can occur by accidental ingestion or intentionally with self-injurious intent.

Common symptoms are: intense pain in the mouth and thorax, burning sensation in the mouth - larynx - abdomen, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and asphyxia due to glottic edema.

Diagnosis is made by clinical history and physical examination. Blood and urine tests will be performed, as well as imaging tests (chest and abdominal X-ray, abdominal computed tomography and digestive endoscopy).

Treatment includes supportive measures and treatment of symptoms since there are no specific antidotes. 

Bibliographic references
  1. George Triadafilopoulos. Caustic esophageal injury in adults. UpToDate. Apr 07, 2016.
  2. Contini S, Scarpignato C. Caustic injury of the upper gastrointestinal tract: a comprehensive review. World J Gastroenterol 2013; 19:3918.
  3. Riffat F, Cheng A. Pediatric caustic ingestion: 50 consecutive cases and a review of the literature. Dis Esophagus 2009; 22:89.
  4. Cabral C, Chirica M, de Chaisemartin C, et al. Caustic injuries of the upper digestive tract: a population observational study. Surg Endosc 2012; 26:214.
  5. ASGE Standards of Practice Committee, Lightdale JR, Acosta R, et al. Modifications in endoscopic practice for pediatric patients. Gastrointest Endosc 2014; 79:699.
  6. José Ignacio García Sánchez, Jara Llenas García, Virginia Melgar Molero. Manual de diagnóstico y terapéutica médica Hospital Universitario 12 de octubre. 6ª edición. 2007. 1104: 1106.
Author
Dr. Elvira Moreno
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Pain in mouth


    Pain in the pit of the stomach


    Pain when swallowing


    Chest pain


    Pain in the middle of your chest

Pre-hospital care recommendations

Call medical assistance for instructions.
Drink water or milk to dilute the caustic substance.