Citation

Martínez-Caballero CM, Sierra Quintana E, Chacón PA. Atencion Primaria Practica 2020; 2(4-5).

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020)

DOI

10.1016/j.appr.2020.100053

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Context: A case is presented of accidental ingestion of caustic soda. This is an unusual case, since it is normally related to suicides and self-harm, the latter being of worse prognosis. Presentation of the case: A 92-year-old male with mild-moderate cognitive impairment treated at home after accidental ingestion of a tablespoon of caustic soda. The patient has a slurred voice and reported intense pain on his tongue. He was given analgesia and proton pump inhibitors and then transferred to the referral hospital.

CONCLUSIONS: Caustic soda or sodium hydroxide is an alkaline caustic agent that causes mucosal lesions, ulcers, exudates, or necrosis. The extent of the injury depends on several factors such as the amount of substance ingested, the duration of contact, and the concentration of the caustic agent. Proper initial management is key to reducing morbidity and mortality rates. © 2020 The Authors

Language: en

Keywords

human; male; aged; case report; pain; voice; clinical article; cognitive defect; ingestion; analgesia; sodium hydroxide; tongue; proton pump inhibitor; Article; Caustics; very elderly; Chemical burns; Sodium hydroxide; Oesophageal stricture