Apr 12, 2021
Contributor: Aaron Lessen, MD
Educational Pearls:
- Acid and alkali ingestions have differing prognosis and immediate concerns
- Immediate issues can include superficial irritation, severe burns, esophageal perforation, and even airway compromise from edem
- Long term morbidity can include strictures
- Supportive care is typically all that can be provided in the emergency department
- Diagnostics may include imaging and endoscopy
- For more severe ingestions without immediate issues,, patients may be monitored for up to 24 hours
References
Hoffman RS, Burns MM, Gosselin S. Ingestion of Caustic Substances. N Engl J Med. 2020 Apr 30;382(18):1739-1748. doi: 10.1056/NEJMra1810769. PMID: 32348645.
Summarized by Erik Verzemnieks, MD
The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at www.emergencymedicalminute.com/cme-courses/ and create an account.