Citation

Bateman DN. Medicine (Abingdon) 2012; 40(3): 118-120.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Medicine Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.mpmed.2011.12.030

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Corrosive injury causes cell damage similar to a burn. Pain may be severe.

Perforation of the oesophagus or stomach may occur in severe cases. Longer-term complications include scarring or stricture formation. Emergency surgery may be life saving in severe upper gastrointestinal tract injury from strong acids or alkalis. Hydrofluoric acid chelates calcium, causes deep penetrating burns and is extremely painful. Hypocalcaemia is a life-threatening complication and requires rapid management. Topical calcium salts may reduce local injury.