Toxicity of Corrosive Substances

A substance that causes damage and destruction to surfaces like metals and living tissues, including skin, eyes, digestive system, and respiratory tract.

A corrosive that typically donates hydrogen ions (H+).

A corrosive that typically accepts hydrogen ions (H+).

A corrosive that readily accepts electrons from other substances, causing oxidation.

The severity of a corrosive's effect depends on factors like its concentration, volume, duration of contact, and the body surface area exposed.

The destructive effect of corrosives on living tissues.

Cell death caused by damage from corrosives.

A type of necrosis where the tissue becomes firm and gel-like.

A procedure where the stomach contents are removed through a tube inserted into the esophagus. It's used to remove toxins but is contraindicated in corrosive ingestion, as it can cause further injury by re-exposing the affected tissues.

Steroids are not typically used in the treatment of corrosive ingestions. While they can help reduce inflammation, they don't directly address the damage caused by caustic substances.

Sodium Hydroxide, a strong alkali, can cause severe tissue damage by denaturing proteins and disrupting cell membranes. This leads to inflammation, necrosis, and potentially long-term scarring.

Corrosive agents like sodium hydroxide directly damage the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Antibiotics are generally not used in this scenario, as they target bacterial infections, not chemical burns.

Alkalis, commonly found as pastes or solids, cause more damage to the esophagus because they can easily penetrate and hydrolyze the fatty nature of the squamous epithelium lining the esophagus. This results in liquefactive necrosis and free fatty acids in the blood, leading to thrombus formation.

Liquefactive necrosis is a type of cell death where the cellular structure is broken down by enzymes, resulting in a liquefied mass. This is often seen with alkali ingestion due to the hydrolysis of fats in the esophageal lining.

Free fatty acids released into the bloodstream due to alkali ingestion can lead to blood clotting (thrombus formation). This happens because the fatty acids can interfere with the normal clotting mechanisms of the blood.

The squamous epithelium of the esophagus is a type of tissue that is rich in fats. This makes it particularly vulnerable to damage by alkalis, as they can hydrolyze (break down) the fats and cause liquefactive necrosis.

The main symptoms of corrosive ingestion include burning pain in the mouth and throat, swelling, ulceration, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, chest pain, dyspnea, and aspiration.

Corrosive ingestion is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. There is no specific antidote, management focuses on analgesia, diluting and protecting the affected area, controlling vomiting, providing nutrition, managing infections, reducing inflammation, and potentially widening the esophagus.

Bougienage is a medical procedure used to widen the esophagus after a corrosive ingestion. It involves inserting a thin cylinder (bougie) into the esophagus to stretch it out, helping to improve swallowing.

Gastric lavage is not recommended after corrosive ingestion because it can further damage the already irritated gastrointestinal tract.