Citation

Bateman DN. Medicine (Abingdon) 2003; 31(10): 44-45.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, Medicine Publishing)

DOI

10.1383/medc.31.10.44.27805

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Exposure to strong acids and alkalis causes tissue injury from cell death. Some of this damage may result from an exothermic chemical reaction in addition to the direct corrosive effect of the agent involved. The clinical consequences of exposure depend on the route of exposure. Other chemicals may have corrosive action (e.g. iron salts, paraquat), but their effect is usually less rapid and the clinical features are dominated by other features of intoxication. This contribution focuses on acids and alkalis. It is useful to consider the two separately, though in practice the clinical features are often similar following significant exposure. An example of a grading system for corrosive burns to the alimentary tract is shown in Figure 1.