This is a gastrointestinal injury caused by the ingestion of irritating or corrosive products that can destroy healthy tissue on contact. These can be acids or alkalis (bases).
It can happen when they are ingested either accidentally or deliberately with the intention of harming oneself.
Common symptoms include: severe pain in the mouth and chest, burning sensation in the mouth - larynx - abdomen, vomiting, bloody diarrhoea and asphyxia (glottal oedema).
The diagnosis is made by taking a medical history and performing a physical examination. Blood tests, urine tests and imaging tests (chest and abdominal x-rays, abdominal CT-scan and gastrointestinal endoscopy) are carried out.
Treatment is based on supportive care and symptomatic treatment, as there is no specific antidote.
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